(Posted February 21, 2024)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. — The latest exhibit at the Juniata College Museum of Art (JCMA), “On Display: The Art, Science, and Significance of Specimens,” is an exploration of the interplay between art and biology and an invitation to consider the ethical nuances of museum curation.  

Student P.J. Squire ’24, from Pittsburgh, Pa., curated “On Display” as the capstone project of his Juniata College educational experience. It features zoological specimens from Juniata College’s collection, which Squire spent months cataloging before selecting the best examples that tie to significant discussion points.   

“The exhibit accompanies my senior thesis, which is an overview of the use of zoological specimens and the history of natural history museums,” he said. “It also touches on the ethics of collection and looks at how museums are constantly growing and changing to match ethical standards.” 

A middle school biology teacher inspired Squire’s love for science and the natural world.  

“Biology was always something I had an interest in. We’re all a part of one system, one big planet. I think it’s really cool to think about how we connect to everything else,” said Squire.   

At the same time, family excursions sparked a passion for museums.  

“Growing up, I was fortunate to be able to go to museums often. The museum we most often visited was the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. I remember it as a very interactive museum, much different than what we would think of as a traditional museum,” he said.  

As a college-bound high school student, he was seeking the ability to pursue his interest in biology and the arts equally.   

“I couldn’t really see myself pursuing one without the other. That definitely influenced the path I took,” Squire said. “In my college search, I found nothing quite as customizable as Juniata. I came to Juniata interested in taking coursework in both departments.”  

With the support of his primary faculty adviser, Randy Bennett, professor of biology, and Jennifer Streb, professor of art history, Squire selected dual programs of emphasis (instead of majors, Juniata College has programs of emphasis, more commonly known as POEs). One POE is biology, and the other – studies in museums and the arts – is an individualized POE designed by Squire.   

“As I got to know PJ, it became clear that he was feeling a need to choose between two passions—the sciences and the arts. I told him that he didn’t have to make that choice,” said Bennett. “After I put him in contact with our professors involved in museum studies, PJ took the reins and ran with this idea.” 

“The ability and the privilege of growing up with museums and becoming comfortable in that space informed the work I do now and my passion for it,” explained Squire. 

For the resulting exhibit, Squire received support and assistance from Bennett and Streb, Kathryn Blake, director of the JCMA, and John Matter, associate professor of biology.   

“On Display: The Art, Science, and Significance of Specimens” will be exhibited at JCMA through March 20, 2024. JCMA is free and open to the public from 1-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.   

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.