49 Oak

Current & Upcoming

Go Marching

Jess Lee and Francesca Woolson

March 27-April 11, 2026

Opening reception Friday, April 3, 6-8pm

We build, we spiral, we dance, we go marching. Together, emerging artists Jess Lee and Francesca Woolson capture the motion of bodies as we crawl through time. In dialogue, they execute different choreography to the same song; Woolson's an elegant and deliberate ballet, Lee’s an improvisational swing. The pair take opposite approaches to explore bodies and their inhabitants. At scale, Woolson captures fleeting moments of bodies meeting each other as both partner and opponent. These are periods where the dynamics of sparring suspend normal dichotomies: those of violence and care, of leader and follower, of strength and surrender. Motion and emotion are inseparable forces, and make us as vulnerable as dancing insects when we exploit gaps in our defense or rests in our music. Jess approaches movement through material, accumulating and repeating steps and moves that build a system of operations. As present as the physical works are their spirits, as some things just can’t be contained by contours. Each sculpture is echoed by a rhythm that is equal parts laughter and uneasy murmur. Her work is as compelling and tactile as it is disquieting and uneasy, holding viewers between desire and distrust. The ingredients of each piece function as collaborators - dance partners, maybe - and guide the comedy and introspection signature of Lee’s work. In tandem, Jess and Francesca execute a procession of works that reorient past and present, leaving only now.

About

49 Oak is a flexible, experimental space where students gain real-world experience presenting their work to the public. Through pop-up shops, exhibitions, and project-based programming, students build essential professional skills; curating, installing, promoting, documenting, selling, and staffing exhibitions, under the guidance of Artists at Work and faculty mentors. During the summer, 49 Oak shifts its focus to showcasing work by the College’s alumni, strengthening professional networks and career pathways.

As a living laboratory, 49 Oak prepares students for the following:

Professional Exhibition Experience

Ability to plan, curate, and install exhibitions and pop-up shops
Experience working with timelines, budgets, and shared creative spaces
Confidence presenting work to public audiences, clients, and collectors

Sales & Entrepreneurial Skills

Experience pricing artwork and products
Understanding point-of-sale systems, inventory, and customer interaction
Preparation for freelance, self-employed, and small business models

Marketing & Promotion Skills

Portfolio-ready documentation of exhibitions and work
Experience writing artist statements, wall text, and promotional copy
Understanding how to promote creative work through events, email, and social media

Project Management & Collaboration

Experience working in teams with defined roles and responsibilities
Ability to manage deadlines and deliverables tied to real outcomes
Skills in problem-solving, adaptability, and professional communication

Career Pathways & Job Readiness

Preparation for roles such as gallery assistant, exhibitions coordinator, studio assistant, arts administrator, or creative producer
Transferable skills applicable to museum, nonprofit, retail, and creative industry jobs
Clear articulation of skills and experience on résumés, CVs, and in interviews

Professional Networks