Curating Arts and Culture on Campus

History and American studies double major Marjorie Justine Antonio ’22 programmed multiple exhibitions and events while an undergraduate.

By Jessica Weiss ’05

As visitors gathered in the Stamp Gallery in February for the opening of a new exhibition, Marjorie Justine Antonio ’22 had a moment of disbelief.

The student curator, a senior history and American studies double major, had spent months dreaming up and planning the exhibition, deciding on its themes, requesting works for display and securing partners and sponsors. The final product, “alternate universe: visualizing queer futurisms,” featured works by two artists that reimagined the future through the perspectives of LGBTQ+ and people of color. 

For Antonio, it symbolized the coming together of four years of undergraduate research in visual culture, digital humanities and LGBTQ+ studies, and a passion for accessible, free and open public programs. 

“As a professional experience and my first in-person exhibition, it was surreal to see people interacting with the pieces and talking about them,” Antonio said. “It made me really proud of the work I’d done.” 

Antonio, who graduates this week, had the opportunity to curate and program multiple exhibitions and events while an undergraduate—experiences that provided her a window into a future career. During the pandemic, she curated a virtual exhibition featuring five perspectives on the multi-dimensional experiences of Asian Americans. She was a student curator for NextNOW Fest 2020, a position that involved implementing virtual programming for The Clarice’s signature multi-day, multi-arts festival. She’s also served for over a year as performing arts director for Student Entertainment Events, which produces and supports campus events including concerts, comedy shows, lectures and performances. 

“I’ve been able to have a lot of really hands-on experiences,” Antonio said. “And I’m so grateful for that.” 

In addition to exploring a passion for the arts, Antonio, who identifies as Filipinx American and grew up in Baltimore County, discovered at UMD a deep interest in Asian American studies. After entering UMD as a biochemistry major with plans to go into healthcare or the sciences, two Asian American studies classes her freshman year made her reconsider her path. 

“I started crying like every class—in a good way, because these are histories and narratives and stories that I wasn't exposed to,” she said. “It really triggered an awakening for me, and could directly explain some of the experiences I've had as an Asian American. So, I took it and ran.” 

After adding a minor in Asian American studies, she declared majors in history and American studies, focusing on social and cultural history and comparative racial-ethnic studies. She has honed research skills in oral history, archival work and ethnography. 

Her senior history thesis focused on Filipino American activism in Washington, D.C., during the reign of Filipino dictator Ferdinand Marcos from 1965 to 1986, while her thesis for American studies focused on contemporary, grassroots Filipino American social movements in Washington, D.C. At the core of both is an exploration of the use of art for activism.  

Outside of class, Antonio has been involved with the Asian American Student Union, Terpoets, Stylus: A Journal of Literature of Art, the Jimenez-Porter Writers’ House and more. She is an alumna of the CIVICUS Living and Learning Program. Last year, she was an intern at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art’s “Because of Her Story” project. 

She was recently named the 2022 recipient of the University of Maryland Model Citizenship Prize, the most prestigious university award for graduating seniors who have “most nearly typified the model citizen and have contributed significantly to the general advancement of the interest of the university.” 

After graduation, Antonio plans to take a gap year before applying to graduate school, using the time to focus on her creative writing and organize other queer and Asian American writers in Washington, D.C. 

“It’s been quite a ride,” she said. “It’s wild to think I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I came to UMD. I’m glad I found clarity. And that’s what I wish for everyone coming in.” 

ARHU students can benefit from “Be Worldwise. Get Worldready.,” a career initiative that blends new and reimagined course offerings, integrated academic and career advising and access to internships, alumni networking and other opportunities across the region. Learn more.

Main image courtesy of Marjorie Justine Antonio. Mixed media collage by Camila Tapia-Guilliams, featured in alternate universe: visualizing queer futurisms.