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The Galleries at Kean Presents
PAPER TRAILS by Laura Shabazz
The Galleries at Kean is proud to present Paper Trails on view from January 28 to May 1, 2026 in the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery at Kean University (Nancy Thompson Library, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey).
Through painterly, representational collages composed entirely of salvaged print materials, Laura Shabazz transforms discarded paper into layered works that explore memory, sustainability, and traces of human thought and gesture. Torn fragments of books, magazines, and ephemera--once carriers of words and ideas--are reassembled to create compositions that exist between imagination and visual experience.
Based in Bernardsville, New Jersey, Laura Shabazz is a self‑taught collage artist whose practice began serendipitously when an overflowing recycling bin became the catalyst for a new artistic direction. Her years working in a library inspired the use of rescued books alongside magazines and other found papers. Embracing imperfections such as torn edges, stains, and handwritten marks, Shabazz treats each work as an improvisational act; one that honors narrative, memory, and material reuse.
Shabazz has received numerous accolades, including Best in Show from the New Jersey Art Association and People’s Choice awards from Farmstead Arts and the Rockland Arts Festival. Working exclusively with found paper, she creates one‑of‑a‑kind works that celebrate storytelling while foregrounding sustainability.
Paper Trails is presented as part of the Galleries at Kean Spring 2026 exhibition season, highlighting contemporary artists whose practices engage with history, culture, and visual storytelling.
The Galleries at Kean will host numerous public events in conjunction with the Paper Trails exhibition. Hear from Laura Shabazz at the Paper Trails Artist Talk on Wednesday, February 4 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the Nancy Thompson Library. Celebrate the exhibition at the opening night reception, also on Wednesday, February 4 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery. Both events are free and open to the public, but advance registration is encouraged. Visit galleries.kean.edu/news-
Tickets for Paper Trails, and for all of exhibitions with the Galleries at Kean, are "Pay As You Wish". Patrons can choose to pay as little as one dollar to access the exhibition, keeping the arts afforable and accessibile to everyone. Visit galleries.kean.edu/exhibitions to purchase tickets.
ABOUT THE GALLERIES AT KEAN
The Galleries at Kean present more than a dozen exhibitions each academic year across six on‑campus galleries, showcasing professional artists, traveling exhibitions, faculty projects, and student work. Through exhibitions and public programs, the Galleries advance education, foster dialogue, and amplify diverse voices across art, history, and culture. Information regarding gallery exhibitions, events and education programs can be found at galleries.kean.edu.
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Kean University, New Jersey’s urban research university, is a national institution of higher education recognized for its diversity, innovation and the social mobility of its graduates. Designated an R2 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Kean ranks among the top eight percent of U.S. universities for research and doctorate production. Founded in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean has evolved into a thriving research university that supports students as they persist to graduation, give back to their communities and launch successful careers. Kean’s six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate programs, six doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications, across a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, as well as Kean Online, the University provides students of all backgrounds an affordable and accessible world-class education. Learn more at kean.edu.
Laura Shabazz, Eye See You, 2025, salvaged magazines, image courtesy of the artist.
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