Anissa White, a graduate student in the Master of Fine Arts program, will exhibit her thesis project Nov. 18 through Dec. 13 in the university art gallery in Carlson Library, Clarion campus. The exhibition, “The Safety Project,” is interactive, featuring a public engagement, social just art project.

White said the project examines how our binary social structure influences the availability and distribution of safety information.

“Essentially, I am interested in how growing up male or female affects what we are taught about keeping ourselves safe,” White said.

She encourages students to take part:

• Go to the gallery.
• Answer questions about personal safety.
• Write responses on fabric squares.
• Pin them on the gallery walls.

“After collecting responses for a span of six months, I will sew all the swatches of fabric into two quilts. These two ‘safety blankets’ will be divided based on whether participants were socialized as male or female,” White said. “Displayed side by side during my thesis exhibition in spring 2025, they will showcase the imbalance of safety information that is taught based on perceived gender.”

The spring thesis exhibition will be at the Bruce Gallery, PennWest Edinboro. Students on other campuses can view the finished quilts online. She considers the project a great way to engage with her community on a topic that matters deeply to her.

In addition to the exhibition, a reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the gallery.

Students who would like to participate but are unable to visit the exhibition can submit responses by filling out a form. For more information, visit The Safety Project on Instagram.