The Sun Gallery at Regan House officially opened on Saturday, Oct. 3, with a ribbon-cutting celebration marking the beginning of a new space dedicated to showcasing art and connecting Molloy University with the surrounding community.
The gallery began in the sunroom of Regan House, the University's first presidential residence. When President James Lentini and his wife, Dana, moved into the home six years ago, they worked with Molloy's art faculty and staff to incorporate pieces from the University's art collection throughout the residence.
Over time, the sunroom's large windows, natural light and open wall space presented another possibility.
"What began as an effort to fill some empty walls has evolved into something much more meaningful: an opportunity to create a welcoming space for art, conversation, and community," Dana Lentini said.
Lentini helped transform the room into a gallery for rotating exhibitions, working alongside several Molloy faculty and staff members. The team included Liz Mandracchia, Communications and Events Coordinator for the School of Arts & Sciences; Dr. Hwa Young Caruso, Professor of Art; and Jimmy Multari, Assistant Vice President for Facilities. The project also aligns with the University's Communiversity initiative, focused on strengthening connections between Molloy and the greater Rockville Centre community.
The gallery's inaugural exhibition, Self-Mapping, had a soft opening in May and features work created by Molloy students in Caruso's studio art classes.
"Self-Mapping invited art students to chart who they are now and who they hope to become," Caruso said. "They drew on identity, memories, cultures, places, and personal narratives."
Using media including pencil, charcoal, acrylic paint, printmaking ink and linoleum blocks, students explored these themes through styles ranging from realism to abstraction and surrealism. The final collection reflects the students' personal and artistic journeys at various stages of their lives.
"I hope visitors see each piece as a map of a young artist in motion and gain an appreciation for the talent within our Art Department and a curiosity about what these students will create next," Caruso said.
For Valeria DeCastro '27, an honors student studying visual arts education, art and media innovation, studio art and art history, having her work selected for the Sun Gallery offered her an opportunity to reach an audience beyond the classroom.
"Having members of the Molloy community and guests of the Regan House see my artwork is so special because it reaches an audience I wouldn't have otherwise," DeCastro said. "Overall, this exhibition serves as an amazing opportunity for artists like me to showcase their creativity and gain exposure."
DeCastro's piece, an expressionist self-portrait created through printmaking, incorporates shades of blue and green and reflects a recurring theme in her work: depicting recognizable people and subjects through unconventional forms of expression.
Having their work showcased in the Sun Gallery also introduces students to an important aspect of
working as professional artists. Caruso noted that students gain portfolio experience while learning to present their work, discuss their art, connect with others and receive feedback outside the classroom.
Members of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce board attended the opening of the Sun Gallery as well, celebrating a new space dedicated to creativity, culture and community engagement.
The event showcased the strong and enduring partnership between Molloy University and the Village of Rockville Centre, bringing together community leaders who share a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for local residents.
Attendees included RVC Chamber President Ed Asip, Vice President Donna Einnemen, Molloy University Communiversity Liaison Debra McCarthy, RVC Women's Chamber of Commerce President Susan Gatti and Eric Mingorance.
The celebration highlighted the transformative power of the arts and the importance of collaboration among local organizations. The Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce expressed its support for the Sun Gallery as it develops into a destination for artistic expression, education and cultural enrichment.
While *Self-Mapping* will remain on display through late October, plans are already underway for future exhibitions. The next exhibition, *An Artists' Journey – From Student to Alumni*, will showcase both 2D and 3D artwork made by current Molloy students and alumni. A committee representing Alumni Relations, the School of Arts & Sciences and the Art Department selected works from more than 46 submissions for display in the Larini Room as part of Family and Alumni Weekend on Oct. 24. An additional 15 pieces were specially curated for the Sun Gallery, where an artists' reception will be held at Regan House on Dec. 3.
Looking ahead, Tim Roda, chair of the Art Department, is developing an exhibition featuring artists from across Long Island, with plans to open in February.
For Lentini, these plans represent the potential for the Sun Gallery to become more than a place to display artwork. She hopes students will eventually help curate and install exhibitions and collaborate with artists from the surrounding community.
"I believe that now, perhaps more than ever, we need art and beauty in our lives," Lentini said. "Art has the extraordinary ability to inspire us, challenge our perspectives, spark conversations, and connect us with one another."
The Sun Gallery will continue to feature rotating exhibitions throughout the year, including an annual student exhibition, ensuring that Molloy artists remain at the heart of the space as its reach grows.
