Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) culminates landmark centennial exhibition with “Bye for Now, Here and Now” – a free, public grand finale celebration on Saturday, May 9, 2026
BETHLEHEM, PA – April 15, 2026 — Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) is thrilled to announce the grand finale party for its centennial exhibition of 100 local artists! Taking place on Saturday, May 9, the free and open-to-the-public event “Bye for Now, Here and Now” marks the official 100th anniversary of the museum’s founding in 1926 – and serves as the festive closing for LUAG’s landmark exhibition, Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists.
The Here and Now exhibition, which has transformed LUAG’s Main Galleries into a dynamic showcase of the Lehigh Valley’s creative talent, will conclude its run on May 22, two weeks after the May 9 event.
“The Here and Now exhibition has been a powerful reminder of the extraordinary creative community that exists right here in our backyard,” says LUAG Director Will Crow. ‘Bye for Now’ isn’t just a closing party; it’s a proper sendoff to a historic year.”
LUAG’s spring bash serves as the bookend event to the September 2025 “Light Up LUAG” kickoff party – a high-energy public event that drew nearly 1,200 attendees to the museum, which is located inside Zoellner Arts Center. Continuing the inclusive, upbeat vibe of the September kickoff, this event is completely free and open to everyone.
“As we reached the 100th anniversary of Lehigh University Art Galleries this year, we wanted to create moments that are both a look back at our legacy and a bold ‘cheers’ to our future,” adds Crow. “‘Bye for Now, Here and Now’ is a chance for the community to come together once again to celebrate the 100 local artists who have made LUAG’s centennial year unforgettable.”
“Bye for Now, Here and Now” | Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Transforming LUAG’s Main Galleries and Zoellner Arts Center into a vibrant party space, the event will provide attendees with a final look at the stunning collection of local art – and a chance to meet the exhibition artists themselves. Featuring the vinyl DJ collective Nite Liters spinning live, caricatures with George Gets Silly, artmaking activities, indoor refreshments, outdoor food trucks, and more – this special evening is designed to be a free, festive evening out. “Bye for Now, Here and Now” is a time for the community to connect with the local artists who make the Lehigh Valley a creative hub, and to celebrate a year of centennial events at LUAG.
“This is a joyful celebration and everyone is invited,” Crow adds. “Whether you’re a regular visitor or it’s your first time at LUAG, we want you to feel included and welcome here.”
Admission to the event and the galleries is free and open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, visit LUAG.org/events and follow @LUArtGalleries on social media.
Exhibition Details
Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists remains on view at LUAG through May 22, 2026. Serving as a tribute to the Lehigh Valley’s rich and diverse creative community, Here and Now represents a diverse collection of 100 artworks in a wide range of forms, from painting and photography to sculpture and mixed media. The works were selected from a highly competitive pool of submissions, reflecting the depth of talent and artistic diversity of the region.
A History of Art at Lehigh
Since 1926, Lehigh University Art Galleries has served as the university’s free, public art museum, dedicated to advancing critical thinking, cultural understanding, and well-being for both the campus and the surrounding community. The museum’s permanent collection of over 20,000 works of art is displayed across seven campus gallery spaces, including its Main Galleries inside Zoellner Arts Center, located on the edge of Lehigh’s campus.
Beyond the museum walls, LUAG’s collection extends across university grounds and beyond, with 56 outdoor campus sculptures and public exhibitions along the South Bethlehem Greenway – making art an integral part of the Lehigh and South Bethlehem experience. With a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, LUAG serves as a cultural and educational resource for campus and the wider community – inviting all to explore, reflect, and connect with art.
Information provided to TVL by:
Kiera Wilhelm
