"Moments Become Memories" Exhibit Opens Friday
Artist-in-Residence Olaniyi R. Akindiya Akirash Arrives at Wabash
Crawfordsville, IN (01/21/2026) — Wabash College invites the public to meet Artist-in-Residence Olaniyi R. Akindiya Akirash on Friday, Jan. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Eric Dean Gallery of the Fine Arts Center.
The exhibit will be on view from Jan. 23 to April 10, 2026. As the Restoring Hope, Restoring Trust Artist-in-Residence for 2026, Akirash will be in residence at Wabash College from Jan. 12 to May 2, 2026, to engage the Montgomery County community through his creative work.
This exhibit, titled ASIKO DI IRANTI-"moments become memories"-explores how individual and collective identities are shaped through lived experience. Identity is structured by the moments we encounter, those we endure, those we survive, and those we celebrate. These moments accumulate, becoming memories that define who we are.
Akirash is an internationally recognized artist whose work spans public art, sculpture, installation, and community-based projects. Through his art practice, he explores the dynamics of rural and urban life, as well as themes of community, identity, history, justice and healing. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and he now lives and work in Pflugerville, Texas, with his wife and children.
School groups and community organizations are able to schedule visits with Akirash by reaching out to Professor Annie Strader at stradera@wabash.edu. There are limited spots so please reach out soon to ensure your group can visit. Akirash will also be holding two public workshops at the Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County during his residency. Follow https://www.instagram.com/wabashartgallery/ for updates.
The Eric Dean Gallery is in the Fine Arts Center at 504 S Grant St. The Gallery is open to the public, M-F 9-5, and Saturday 2-6pm, and is closed on Wabash College breaks. All events are free and open to the public.
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Artist-in-Residence Olaniyi R. Akindiya Akirash