Pursuit of Happiness:
SOU Faculty Exhibition

About the Exhibition

For our winter 2026 exhibition, the Schneider Museum of Art will engage in Southern Oregon University’s (SOU) Campus Theme The Pursuit of Happiness with an exhibition spotlighting SOU’s Creative Arts faculty and staff.

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we are invited to reflect on the enduring ideals and evolving meanings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Among these, the pursuit of happiness is central to American identity and calls for renewed exploration in both its historical origins and its modern-day interpretations.

Happiness is often regarded as a basic human desire, yet it is anything but simple. From ancient philosophical debates about hedonism and virtue to contemporary discussions of consumerism, wellness, sexuality, and mental health, the pursuit of pleasure raises vital questions about what it means to live well—and how access to pleasure has been distributed or denied across time, cultures, and social structures. As the nation celebrates a foundational moment in American history, we can ask:
• What did the Founders mean by “the pursuit of happiness”?
• Is happiness an individual right, a moral challenge, a civic responsibility?
• How does the pursuit of happiness intersect with economics, technology, or the environment?
• What roles do the arts, literature, and media play in constructing narratives about pleasure?
• How do ideas of happiness relate to justice, equity, and sustainability?

Participating faculty and staff will be asked to address one of the above questions to be put on view alongside examples of their professional work and artist statements. SOU’s Campus Theme Program is created by Prakash Chenjeri, Brooklyn Pierce, and Sebastian Cantero of SOU’s Humanities program.

By centering the theme of “The Pursuit of Happiness,” they aim to foster meaningful campuswide conversations about flourishing, fulfillment, and responsibility. This theme lends itself to creative, critical, and experiential engagement across disciplines from history and politics to psychology, health sciences, literature, and the arts.

As in previous years, their programs will include:
• Public Lectures and Panels: Featuring voices from philosophy, psychology, cultural studies, arts, and more to discuss pleasure through different frameworks.
• Creative Events and Exhibits: Celebrating expressions of pleasure through music, visual art, performance, and storytelling.
• Multidisciplinary Presentations: Encouraging faculty to present programs around the theme, fostering collaboration and innovation.

In dedicating the 2025–26 academic year to the theme of The Pursuit of Happiness, Southern Oregon University can reflect on the legacy of the Declaration of Independence while deepening our understanding of what it means to seek and create lives of meaning, happiness, and joy. We anticipate a vibrant year of inquiry, creativity, and collective reflection.