Karen Alava | Staff Writer

FIU’s Student Health & Wellness hosted the second annual Roary Through Art History exhibition on Tuesday, October 7, at the GC Art Gallery, continuing a 2024 initiative that reimagines famous paintings by placing the university mascot, Roary, into art-historical scenes.

The event opened at 11:30 a.m. and ran through 2:00 p.m.; students began forming a line before the official start time. Attendance concentrated around the gallery entrance and merch distribution area as students queued for exclusive, student-only giveaways.

Students at GC Art Gallery lining up for giveaways | Karen Alava, PantherNOW

The exhibition mixed pieces that returned from the 2024 show with new reinterpretations made for 2025. The artwork varied from bright, pop-style remakes to calmer portrait-like pieces, and each one featured Roary to tie the visuals back to campus identity.

The Birth of Roary, 2025 | Karen Alava, PantherNOW

“Last year, I got a cropped top. This year I’m hoping to get the hoodie,” said Kerene Wright, a returning attendee.

Student Health & Wellness positioned the exhibition as an outreach format: artwork and apparel functioned as points to share information about counseling, preventive services, and other campus health resources. Giveaway items included shirts and hoodies printed with images from the exhibition; the limited, student-only distribution created early demand and encouraged on-campus visibility for the wellness brand.

Staffed resource tables inside the gallery provided print materials, program contacts, and instructions for accessing services. 

Roary through art history | Karen Alava, PantherNOW

By merging art, wellness, and Panther pride, Roary Through Art History is an immersive experience of creativity and community. Students were not only left with limited-edition merchandise but also with a clearer view of the health and wellness resources available to them at FIU. With each reimagined art piece, the exhibition reinforced the idea that well-being and creativity go hand in hand.

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