By Grace Stecher
Just before spring break, Syracuse Florence student Vivian Baltzer had an idea: curate an art exhibit exploring the theme of migration away from home through work by student artists.
Just a few weeks later Steady or Wayward: A Spontaneous Show opened in the Villa Rossa basement on April 8. On view until April 18, Steady or Wayward features artwork by eight Syracuse Florence students, including Baltzer herself.
Each student was encouraged to see what they could create in a few hours, channeling their emotions into original photographs, videos, and paintings. Baltzer says she wanted to give participating artists the opportunity to reflect on their own study abroad experiences in a meaningful and creative way.
“I think the study abroad experience is very, very vast,” she said. “It’s important for people to really connect with themselves, especially now, because there’s so much tragedy going on in the world. We really need to focus on ourselves in order to be able to help other people.”
Over the semester, Baltzer interned at Faustini Arte, a local art gallery, through Syracuse Florence’s internship program. She said her hands-on experience at the gallery inspired her to curate her own show before entering her senior year. That goal, she said, was made possible by staff members like Rachael Smith, the Assistant Director for Students’ Academic Success.
“Being so supported by the staff and faculty here was an immense help because I don’t think I would have been able to do it otherwise,” Baltzer said. “They were so excited when I had this idea, so it was all hands on deck.”
Over the course of a few weeks, Baltzer recruited student artists, prepared the exhibition space, painted her own introspective piece for the show, and hosted an opening reception, which was attended by Syracuse Florence staff, students, and some Italian 101 classes.
As the Spring ’26 study-abroad semester comes to an end, Steady or Wayward reminds viewers to reflect on their experiences: the good, the bad, and the in-between.
