Anywhere from five to eight, meeting friends for coffee is a daily ritual at Palazzi Community Center's Fedora café. If there’s an open seat, it’s even better. This space hums with the energy of university students but remains open to the public. Walk to the other side of the building, and you’ll find a space that feels almost magical. The bookshelves and artwork lining the long room create a vibrant, inviting atmosphere. This is where book readings, galleries, and other creative events come to life. One might call it an academic gallery—a meeting place where art, ideas, and conversation converge. This is Corridoio Fiorentino.

The exhibit begins with a photograph that evokes a wave of nostalgia, much like recalling a cherished memory. In black and white, a student photographer captured a tender moment: his mother holding up a wine glass. The warmth and joy radiating from the image are undeniable. The photographer, study abroad student Marcos Morales, shared the personal story behind the photo.

“My mother came all the way from Brazil to visit me for a week,” Morales said, smiling. “I found out just three days before she arrived, so I was super psyched.”

For an assignment requiring a portrait, Morales immediately knew who his subject would be. His mother, the striking blonde woman in the photo, became the centerpiece of his work.

“I was like, ‘Stop right there!’” he recalled with a laugh, describing the moment his mother lifted the wine glass.

As you move further into the exhibit, the diversity of photographs becomes apparent. Some feature vibrant colors, while others are muted in black and white. Each image evokes a unique emotional response, and it’s astounding to think these works were created by students. The level of talent and expression on display is remarkable.

One standout piece is by Mo Rice, a student photographer whose work reflects a deeply philosophical approach. Rice’s series features cows in Belgium, captured in serene and quiet moments. She explained that these photos were taken just before attending a lively festival.

“This was just a small moment while I was walking to the festival,” Rice said, describing one of her photos.

The image has an almost dreamlike quality. Slightly blurred and skewed, the cows appear ethereal, as if they belong to another world. It’s a simple rural scene, but the story and intent behind the photo give it a profound emotional depth. For Rice, the image represents a fleeting moment of calm before the festival’s chaos—a contrast to the quiet, suburban streets of her Connecticut hometown.

Walking through the exhibit, the variety of styles and subjects is striking. Some photographs are crisp and sharp, capturing moments of action, while others are subdued, offering a quiet space for reflection. Whether it’s a portrait of a loved one or a tranquil depiction of nature, each photograph invites viewers to pause and connect with the story behind it.

This student exhibit highlights the transformative power of photography. It’s not just about freezing a moment in time but about conveying emotion, memory, and experience. The works on display are a testament to the creativity and skill of these emerging artists, who invite us to see the world through their eyes.

The Final Student Exhibit, entitled Expressions of Beauty is currently on display inside of Palazzi Community Center's Corridoio Fiorentino, located at Via Ricasoli, 21. Additionally, you may view the digital catalogue online at this link.