Alisha Kerlin (Barrick Museum of Art), Zida Wang (Barrick Museum of Art), Deanne Sole (Barrick Museum of Art), Jackie Gaetos (Care Center), and Constancio R. Arnaldo Jr. (Asian & Asian American Studies) co-presented “Living Here, Being Here: Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art as Third Places” at the Artists Thrive Summit 2026 as part of a local breakout session. The presentation examined how the UNLV Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art functions as a “third place” through decentralized curation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusive programming. 

Centered on the exhibition Living Here, the session highlighted a co-curatorial model developed in partnership with UNLV Asian & Asian American Studies, and Care Center that expanded access and community connection. The exhibition featured participatory artworks, including interactive self-portrait installations and karaoke components, encouraging visitors to share personal stories and engage in collective expression. As part of the session, Jackie Gaetos and Dr. Constancio R. Arnaldo Jr. also introduced their work with the Artists Thrive framework, offering insight into how assessment tools can support artists and organizations in measuring impact and sustaining creative communities. The presenters further discussed how the exhibition extended beyond the gallery through public programs that foster belonging, creativity, and care.