Senior Spotlight: Eva Hernández Leaves Her Mark on Barnes Foundation and Saint Joseph's

Each day when Eva Hernández, BA ’25, stepped into the Barnes Foundation during her summer internship, she was greeted by the works of Matisse, Picasso and Modigliani — a dream for any art history student.

Hernández’s internship at the Barnes was just one part of her Saint Joseph’s University experience, but an important one. Graduating with dual degrees in art and art history and a minor in museum studies this spring, her time both inside of and outside of the classroom has prepared her for what’s to come.

At the Barnes, Hernández worked in collections registration, a team responsible for record keeping and tracking art and artifacts in the Barnes collection. Hours were spent on spreadsheets, databases and even paper files, still used to maintain the integrity of the collection.

Her favorite contribution during her internship? Helping the team with a renovation project involving the Barnes “ensembles,” or unique groupings of paintings, ceramics, textiles and other media that are unconventional in nature.

Hernández created intricate maps of the ensembles using Photoshop to prepare for exhibition deinstallation, creating an efficient process for moving artwork and other ensemble pieces. This made life easier for art handlers, preparators and other staff members. She went on to create four binders’ worth of work, which included all of the permanent collections inside the museum.

“It was so gratifying and rewarding to see how much I was contributing to the team. Seeing that it was something sustainable, not just for my team but the Barnes as a whole, I felt like I was making a big contribution,” Hernández says.

Back on campus, she organized an exhibition at the Women’s Center in March titled Kaleidoscope. Working with close friend Sofia Prieto, BS ’24, and under the guidance of Becki Scola, PhD, professor and associate dean of assessment, curriculum and DEI, the exhibition tackled the complexities of identifying as a woman in today’s society. It featured student artwork covering a range of topics, including sexual assault, microaggressions and gender.

“Eva is an exceptionally dedicated and insightful student,” says Krista Svalbonas, MFA, associate professor and chair of art and art history department. "Her voice is one of clarity, conviction and care — a rare and deeply impactful presence in the classroom and beyond."

In Light & Shadow, the University’s senior art thesis exhibition, Hernández’s goal was to capture the spirit and resilience of her home in Puerto Rico, highlighting the challenges and also the cultural pride that brings the people of the island together. And while her final project may feel like an ending, it’s also the beginning of something bigger.

One of her mentors, Steve Rossi, PhD, assistant professor of art, was sure to remind her of that.

“He told me that this is only the tip of the iceberg,” Hernández says. “I’ll still be able to buy more canvases, more paint, more wood and keep creating. I can create another exhibition. He made me realize that closing a chapter was really starting a whole new book.”

Hernández plans to take a gap year before applying to graduate schools, with the goal of earning her PhD in art history to eventually become a professor, curator and perhaps an art gallery owner. No matter where she ends up, one thing is clear: Hernández’s experiences at St. Joe’s have prepared her for what’s next.