University of Bridgeport reopens art gallery with AI: Co-Create exhibition

On Thursday, October 2, 2025, University of Bridgeport (UB) celebrated the highly anticipated reopening of the Schelfhaudt Gallery in the Arnold Bernhard Center for the Arts and Humanities (ABC Building). The event marked the gallery’s first exhibition since 2019, reflecting the University’s renewed commitment to revitalizing the arts on campus and throughout the Bridgeport community.

The evening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the official opening of the gallery’s inaugural exhibit, “AI: Co-Create.” Guests enjoyed an evening of art, conversation, and refreshments as they explored the show, an innovative collection that examines the creative partnership between artists and artificial intelligence.

Curated by renowned artist and gallery namesake, Peter Schelfhaudt, “AI: Co-Create” challenges the boundaries between human and machine, inviting audiences to consider how technology can enhance rather than replace the artist.

“University of Bridgeport is undergoing a renaissance,” said UB President Danielle Wilken, Ed.D. “This opening fits within everything we’re doing to bring new life to the Arnold Bernhard Center, create vibrant community spaces, and expand opportunities for our students. It’s especially meaningful that the first exhibition focuses on artificial intelligence, aligning perfectly with UB’s distinction as home to Connecticut’s first master’s program in AI.”

The exhibition drew students, faculty, staff, and members of the community, sparking lively conversations — and some debate — about the evolving role of AI in the creative process.

“The ribbon cutting and opening reception for ‘AI: Co-Create’ signals not only the relaunch of the gallery and the Arnold Bernhard Center art assets, but also the coming together of art, innovation, and community,” said Amy Nawrocki, Dean of UB’s College of Science and Society, whose own AI-assisted poetry is featured in the exhibit. “Seeing students, staff, faculty, and community artists engage in conversation, interact with exhibits, mingle, and celebrate is inspiring. Congratulations to Peter Schelfhaudt on curating such an exciting show.”

Visitors expressed a mix of curiosity, wonder, and excitement as they explored the exhibit.

“I’ve never seen AI art before,” said Lynzie Lawton, a Human Services major and student-athlete on UB’s track and field team. “It’s different from any art I’ve seen in galleries.”

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Shireen Lehman, a UB Human Nutrition alumna, added, “The artists here have really used AI in a wonderful way to enhance their already creative ideas.”

The “AI: Co-Create” exhibit features diverse works by local, regional, and University artists, including sculpture, photography, digital art, and multimedia installations. Artist Alison Pasquini combines AI with traditional oil and acrylic painting to create contemporary interpretations of Dutch still lifes. “It’s a mixture of hand and technology,” she said. “You have to look closely to see what parts are hand-detailed and what parts are made on the computer.”

Schelfhaudt reflected on the gallery’s return as both a continuation of UB’s artistic heritage and a step forward in its cultural evolution.

“University of Bridgeport is reinforcing its decades-long support of the arts in this unique cultural center,” he said. “Bridgeport has a vibrant arts community, and we are proud to showcase local and emerging artists alongside international creators. The arts provide hope, stimulation, and reflection.”

The Schelfhaudt Gallery, first sponsored by Peter Schelfhaudt in 2012, is being reimagined as part of UB’s revitalization of the Arnold Bernhard Center. The building now serves as a hub for visual and performing arts, featuring galleries, theaters, and event spaces that overlook Long Island Sound.

The “AI: Co-Create” exhibition will remain open to the public Fridays through Sundays, 12 – 4 p.m., through October 31. In November, the gallery will host “Connections,” curated by Suzanne Kachmar, director of Bridgeport’s City Lights Gallery. The upcoming exhibit, opening on November 8 from 12:30 – 8 p.m. and running through December 13, will unite artists from Westport, Bridgeport, and beyond to celebrate the region’s dynamic art scene. “We are honored to come together in this amazing facility at University of Bridgeport,” said Kachmar.

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University of Bridgeport reopens art gallery with AI: Co-Create exhibition