The Pursuit of Happiness

September 10 - November 22, 2026

Opening Reception September 10, 5-7pm

"A collaboration between multiple departments and programs on campus as well as off-campus partners, it encompasses Oakland University’s Strategic Vision 2030. Focusing on five pathways — Our People, Student Success, Discovery, Stewards of Place, and Sustainable University — the goal is to further elevate Oakland's educational excellence and foster deeper community engagement in the ongoing cultural and economic development of the region and state."

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Upcoming Exhibition

The Pursuit of Happiness

September 10 - November 22, 2026

Opening Reception September 10, 5-7pm

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At the Gallery

Interdisciplinary Symposium

Plumbing The Depth Of A-Bomb Sufferers' Trials And Tribulations

Friday, March 20, 2026, 9:15am-3:45pm

Welcome to the symposium “Plumbing the Depths of A-Bomb Sufferers’ Trials and Tribulations,” which takes place in the midst of the Oakland University Art Gallery’s showing of Memorializing the Hibakusha Experience. The exhibition marks the fiftieth anniversary of our institutional partner, the Wilmington College Peace Resource Center, and the eightieth commemoration of the A-bombing of Japan.

- Claude Baillargeon, Professor of Art History and Exhibition Curator.

Event made possible by the generous support of The College of Arts and Sciences, Cultural Ambassador Faculty Grant, The Barry M. Klein Center for Culture and Globalization and The Judd Family Endowed Fund.

QR codes for the event registration and symposium program can be found on exhibion page.

FROM THE COLLECTION

G. Mennen Williams African Art Collection

Gerhard Mennen “Soapy” Williams, Michigan Governor (1949-1961), built an extensive African art collection while serving as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (1961-66). The collection consists of over two hundred objects, some from the 19th century, most from the first half of 20th century. The majority originate from West Africa in what is now Nigeria, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkino Faso, Ghana and Benin.

View the Collection