Dr. Robert F. Panara Exhibits at RIT/NTID Dyer Arts Center & RADSCC

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Poster for "A Fearless Trailblazer: Dr. Robert F. Panara" exhibit, June 30–Sept 19, 2025, RIT/NTID Dyer Arts Center, closing reception Sept 19 from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm

Discover the remarkable story of Dr. Robert F. Panara—poet, educator, activist, and co-founder of NTID—through two powerful mini-exhibits highlighting his enduring contributions to Deaf culture, education, theatre, and literature. NTID students and faculty contributed to the selection of materials for the mini-exhibits. They worked with RIT University Archivist, Elizabeth Call, and NTID & Deaf Studies Archives Liaison Librarian, Dr. Joan Naturale, to bring the mini-exhibits to life. Learn more about Panara on this RIT Libraries InfoGuide. 

📍 Mini-Exhibit 1

Location: RIT/NTID Dyer Arts Center – LBJ Building, 1st floor-"A Fearless Trailblazer: Dr. Robert F. Panara"
Guest Speaker: John Panara, retired NTID faculty 
Dates: June 30 – September 19, 2025
Closing Reception: September 19, 4:30–6:30 pm

Highlights:

  • Rare photographs and videos of Dr. Panara’s teaching, theatre work, and public appearances
  • Archival materials from NTID’s early history
  • Poetry and writings that inspired generations

📍 Mini-Exhibit 2

Location: RIT ASL & Deaf Studies Community Center (RADSCC )–Wallace Library, 1st floor "Deaf Beat Summit: An Explosion of ASL Poetry"
Dates: On view through the 2025–26 academic year

Highlights:

  • Historic moments from the ASL poetry movement
  • Dr. Panara’s collaborations with poets and performers
  • Interactive elements exploring ASL as a literary art

Why Visit?

  • Celebrate one of the most influential figures in Deaf education and culture.
  • Explore how Dr. Panara’s vision continues to shape NTID and the wider Deaf community.
  • Connect with powerful stories that blend activism, artistry, and history.

Poster Description: The poster background is bright blue with abstract wave-like yellow and dark blue patterns along the top and bottom edges. On the left side, there is a black-and-white photograph of Dr. Robert F. Panara speaking at a podium, raising his right hand in a gesture. His figure is outlined in yellow.

Large bold white text at the top reads:
“A Fearless Trailblazer: Dr. Robert F. Panara”

Event details are listed in smaller white text on the right:

  • June 30 – September 19, 2025
  • RIT/NTID Dyer Arts Center, LBJ Building

Additional highlighted text reads:
Closing reception
September 19, 4:30–6:30 pm

At the bottom, the RIT Dyer Arts Center logo is displayed.

Contact
Joan Naturale
jxnwml@rit.edu
This event may be photographed/videoed by RIT. By attending, you grant Rochester Institute of Technology (“RIT”) permission to use photographs and/or audio-visual recordings in which you appear, now and in the future, for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, and trade, or any other purpose.
Event Snapshot
When and Where
September 19, 2025
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Room/Location: Dyer Arts Center
Parking Location: L Lot , M Lot

For non-RIT attendees, go to the Welcome Center to receive a parking pass.

Who

Open to the Public

Interpreter Requested?

Yes

Topics
deaf community

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