Artwork created by sophomore Aliyah Cromathy was selected for a synodality exhibition at Rosemont College on March 23.

Her piece captures the importance of music in the spiritual experience of worship.

“It was always music that brought us together,” says Cromathy. “Everyone from my church would sing and praise the lord through gospel. There was a bucket full of tambourines by the door for children to use, and we had live music all the time. This is what inspired my piece.”

The exhibit was organized by SCHEAP (Synodality in Catholic Higher Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia), a group of campus ministry directors leading synod moments in the archdiocese.

The Church is in the final stages of the Global Synod this year and is collecting final information from Catholics before reconvening delegates in Rome this October. To include artistic expression in the dialogue, SCHEAP issued a call to student artists at local colleges to create art that reflects the theme of synodality, the process of collaboration and discernment.

Professor Glenn Holmstrom describes Cromathy as “an awesome student who is really dedicated to developing her voice as an artist.” He notes that she is currently painting an image of St. Clare in the art studio (BMB 149) and has created artwork for the 2024-25 program of the Delaware County Symphony.

“For me, art is a fulfilling medium of expression because you can create something new each and every time,” Cromathy explains.

“You can get as creative as you want to and go as far as your mind can stretch. Once I get an idea in mind, I rush to my sketchbook, play some good music ... and my hands do what they do. I guess that's why I love it so much. It’s peaceful.”