The University Art Collection provides students opportunities for direct engagement with original works of art while cultivating an environment that creates dialogue, fosters creativity, and promotes interdisciplinary thinking. The permanent collection consists of 9 distinct collections representing a long history of acquisitions and gifts.  

The Mark H. Reece Collection of Student-Acquired Contemporary Art Catalog


Happy Homecoming Week! 🎩

To all of our beloved alums, you can now revisit the Collection like never before using the Bloomberg Connects app. The digital guide includes anecdotes from Professor Emeritus of English and Provost Emeritus of Wake Forest University, Dr. Ed Wilson, or “Mr. Wake Forest”.

Amongst many other accomplishments throughout his career, Dr. Wilson was an avid supporter of the arts, where he served on numerous councils and committees around Wake and across the state of North Carolina. His influential tenure at Wake Forest spanned decades and even generations, serving campus from 1951 to 1993. He also celebrated his 100th birthday this year!

→ Check out the digital guide on the Bloomberg Connects app to hear narrated audio excerpts from Dr. Wilson, reflecting on works in the Collection that were featured in the 2001 exhibition, “Jewels in Our Crown: Treasures From the Wake Forest Art Collections”.

🎧 Featured audio and artwork: Dr. Wilson speaking on “Untitled”, Helen Frankenthaler, acrylic on paper, 1963
The Mark H. Reece Collection of Student-Acquired Contemporary Art celebrates its 60th birthday this academic year! 🎉

While installing his exhibition WHITE | Balance at the @hanesgallery, artist Arlington Weithers toured the Reece Collection. Founded in 1963, it spans three generations of students who have acquired over 200 works of art by 100+ artists.

→ Discover Weithers’ WHITE | Balance, on display through December 8th at Hanes Gallery

→ Explore the Reece Collection by searching “Wake Forest University” on the Bloomberg Connects app.
Did you know… 

This Family Weekend marks the first opportunity ever to take your loved ones on a digitally guided tour of Wake Forest’s art collection! 

In collaboration with the Bloomberg Connects app, the collection is more accessible than ever, with additional information about highlighted works and where to find them on an interactive map. 

Search “Wake Forest University” on the platform to find the works from any of our 9 collections that best interest you and your family.

In addition to self-guided tours, Jennifer Finkel, Acquavella Curator of Collections, will be leading a tour of Wake Forest’s contemporary art collection in commemoration of its 60th anniversary! Please join us at 11:00 am tomorrow, September 22nd, on the 3rd floor of Benson. 🖼️