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View the Exhibition: APRIL 13 - aPRIL 29, 2026

SYKES GALLERY ι BREIDENSTINE HALL - 1st Floor

Exhibition | April 13 - April 29, 2026

Reception | Monday, April 13, 2026

Time | 5:30 - 7:00pm

Artists' Talk | 6:00pm

Gallery Hours ι Standard business hours for Sykes Gallery are Monday - Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm.

About the Exhibition

2025-26 Emerging Artists in Residence Exhibit:

This academic year’s artists in residence, Elena Elia and Rayne Nevins, both worked in the Ceramic studio. They embarked on a journey in discovering new terrain both as artists and technically. They challenged themselves and each other to grow as artists and individuals and in the process contributed to the Ceramic community in the MU Department of Art & Design. Please come to see their show, to hear what they have to share about their experience, and to celebrate their accomplishments.

About Elena and her work:

Elena Elia graduated with a BFA from Millersville University in 2024 with a concentration in sculpture. Shortly after, she became an assistant for Richard Blake to complete a public commissioned sculpture of W.E.B. Du Bois in Massachusetts. This year-long position strengthened her sculpture skills in oil-based clay, rubber and plaster mold techniques. Now, as an Emerging Artist in Residence at Millersville, she is continuing her work through ceramic and found object sculptures with comments on corporate greed and mass consumerism.

After completing her residency, Elena intends to create more artwork at various residencies to connect with other artists and build her portfolio.

About Rayne and their work:

Rayne Nevins graduated from Millersville University in the spring of 2025 with a BFA in Art with a concentration in ceramics. Their ceramic work is often a combination of wheel-thrown and hand-built. The content of their work is rooted in intersectionality, queerness, and the deconstruction of modern beauty standards. Often their work depicts the nude figure in different body types, races, genders, and sexes. The quality of Rayne’s ceramic work is described as “loose” and “rough around the edges,” often mirroring the imperfections of the human body. Their work includes experimentation with surface design and layering, often pulling inspiration from graffiti and patterns from the environments around them. Through their work, they hope viewers can see themselves in the figures or can step into the shoes of someone who may not look like them.

Rayne is currently an emerging artist in residence at Millersville University for 2025-2026. They hope to continue to other residencies and eventually obtain their MFA in ceramics.

University Holidays
Campus Closed
- New Year’s Day - observed 01/01 (Monday)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - 01/15(Monday)
- Memorial Day - 05/27 (Monday)
- Independence Day - 07/04 (Thursday)
- Labor Day - 09/02 (Monday)
- Thanksgiving Day - 11/28 (Thursday)
- Day after Thanksgiving Day - 11/29 (Friday)
- Christmas Day - 12/25 (Wednesday)
- 12/26 (Thursday) - 12/31 (Tuesday)
- New Year’s Day (2025) - 01/01/24 (Wednesday)
Directions & Parking

Directions - Google Maps

To the MU Police Station for a Parking Permit ... As you drive down N. George Street, you will make a right on to Frederick Street at the Library. Directly behind the Library is the entrance to the Boyer Parking lot. The University Police Station is directly infront of the parking lot. Please stop in to request a free daily parking pass from the attendant at the main desk. This parking pass will be valid for white lines spaces only.

To Breidenstine Hall - Sykes & Swift Gallery ... As you proceed down George Street. On the left, you will see the Sugar Bowl which will put you on Normal Avenue. At this turn, you will see a campus street sign for "Breidenstine Hall" (Department of Art & Design). Stop at the first stop sign and proceed straight. You will pass Biemesderfer Stadium and Chryst Field on your left hand side. A little further on the right you will see a square brick building with teal and white placards with the words "Art & Design". This is Breidenstine Hall, your destination of 46 E. Frederick Street. Sykes Gallery will be on the ground level of this building. Please address the department secretary in room 101 for access to the entrance for handicap accessibility. Swift Gallery is on the third floor. There is an elevator available.

To the Bus Parking Lot ... West Cottage Ave & North George St.
Parking Permits

Daily campus parking permits are required before 4:00 pm and available at the campus Police Station in Lebanon House on 237 N. George St., Millersville, PA 17551. These permits will only be valid for white, not yellow lined spaces. The station is open from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. (717) 871-4357.

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