The Julio Fine Art Gallery is featuring the solo debut of Loyola’s newest Visual & Performing Arts faculty member, Beth Yashnyk, with her exhibition ‘Can You Give Me a Hand?’
The artwork on display draws inspiration from media and pop culture, incorporating drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and animation to create surreal narratives and immersive environments. From engaging visuals displayed on screens, to interactive pieces that invite viewers to touch and observe movement, the exhibition offers a dynamic and hands-on experience. More than just brightly colored and visually captivating, the show creates an atmosphere that actively pulls viewers in.
Drawing on the liveliness and interactivity of the carnival, Yashknyk explores the human body through color and engagement.
“It’s very brightly colored, very much inspired by thinking about Coney Island aesthetics and thinking about the ways that we interact with the world around us,” Yashnyk said.
One of the featured works, titled ‘Uncomfortable High 5,’ is an interactive piece that includes a silicone cast of Yashnyk’s own hand. When one participant moves their leg at one end of the machine, while another stands on the opposite side, the hand moves forward to high-five the participant. In doing so, audience members unknowingly share a high five with the artist herself.
“I really wanted audience members to have a physical experience, to be able to experience a sensation of touch, because that’s what I’m talking about a lot in the work I’m creating…it just didn’t feel right to be creating a body of work around that sensation without audience members being able to physically touch the work,” Yashnyk said.
The opening reception welcomed students, faculty, and staff from across the Loyola community to the Julio Fine Arts Gallery. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from Yashnyk as she discussed her work, creative process, and the inspirations behind the exhibition. During her remarks, she also shared her enthusiasm about joining Loyola as a new faculty member and contributing to the campus arts community.
“The exhibition was thoughtfully put together, and it was nice to see people genuinely engaged with the work,” Trevor Sangiorgio ‘26 said.
Walking past the gallery, the bright colors and striking visuals immediately catch the eye, inviting passersby to step inside and experience the exhibition in its entirety. For many students, like Layla Gojaniuk ‘26 , the gallery has become a welcoming space to pause, explore, and engage with art between classes.
“I always enjoy stopping in the gallery when I have a break between classes, and I loved how they incorporated a digital aspect which really pulled me into the work,” Gojaniuk said.
Yashnyk shared that her students are a major source of inspiration.
“I don’t know if they always realize that. It’s been a real pleasure to see what topics, ideas, and concepts are influencing this next generation of young artists,” Yashnyk said.
Beth Yashnyk’s ‘Can You Give Me a Hand?’ is more than just an art exhibit, it’s an experience. With interactive pieces, and playful, surreal visuals, the showcase draws visitors in and encourages them to engage with art in a whole new way. The exhibition will be open through Feb. 13.
For more information on future exhibitions and events follow the Julio Fine Arts Gallery on Instagram @Julioartgallery or visit Julioartgallery.com.
