Rising Holy Cross senior Maribelle Rivera never expected her first gallery show to bring people to tears, particularly her parents.
On the evening of July 8, in the Driscoll Lounge at Holy Cross College, her exhibition “Where Two or More Are Gathered” opened to the public. Surrounded by vibrant paintings, three-dimensional textures, and themes of communion, joy, and love, Rivera took in the moment.
“It was overwhelming,” she said. “I felt a deep sense of joy, seeing all my work gathered in one place — and seeing all the people who have been supporting me. It really felt like a ‘made it’ moment.”
The show was the culmination of three years of work, much of it created right on campus. Professor Angelo Martinez, Program Director of Visual Arts, St. Joseph Gallery Director, had encouraged her to consider a gallery project after noticing how her body of work had steadily evolved.
As a South Bend-native, Rivera is always been around campus — but this moment made it real. “This show made me realize that I’ve grown into something. It was so fulfilling — like this is who I am, and this is what I’m meant to do.”
A Faith That Shapes Her Canvas
Maribelle arrived at Holy Cross with a strong foundation in Chrisitianity — but unsure how it would grow in college. That changed quickly.
“Theology 140 was a turning point for me,” she said. “I didn’t know where my faith life would go in college. But I realized I’m here for a reason — God placed me here, and every class, every assignment, has purpose.”
That sense of purpose became central to her work. Her pieces explore divine love, beauty, and creation. “The general idea behind everything is that God is love, and we’re created to share in His love,” she explained.
Even her long-standing passion — baking desserts — found its way into her art. “I’ve been baking since high school. I used to say, ‘Come to my locker for a sweet treat!’ I love sharing desserts with people. So in my artwork, I started painting cakes and table settings. That’s how I share love — through beauty, through meals, through creating.”
Art, Abroad, and an Evolution in Style
Her artwork took a meaningful turn after studying art history and traveling to Italy with Professor Martinez and other Holy Cross faculty and students. There, she was captivated by the dramatic beauty of Caravaggio and the deep theological storytelling of Baroque art.
“I started thinking more about what it means to gather, to be in communion,” she said. One of her favorite pieces in the gallery was inspired by a meal shared on the first night of the Florence trip — a time when students who barely knew each other sat down, broke bread, and formed community. “When I see those classmates in the hallway now, we have this connection. That moment stayed with me.”
The experience pushed her to experiment — using more abstract techniques, bright colors, textured frosting effects, and bold brushstrokes. “I wanted the process to be visible. Life can be overwhelming, but these pieces are a reminder of sweetness and joy.”
A Future in the Classroom
Rivera is majoring in studio art and minoring in elementary education, with plans to pursue a teaching career — possibly at the high school level. Through practicum training, she’s gained experience teaching in both local public schools and a large Catholic school, experiences that affirmed her calling to education. “I want to be the kind of teacher who brings joy to the classroom,” she said. “Everyone needs a safe space. That’s what Holy Cross has given me, and that’s what I want to give to others.”
Inside the gallery display is even work she did with students, who were excited to know their shared joy would live on at Holy Cross.
What drives her most is helping students discover and develop their gifts — especially those who may not see their potential right away. “I love helping others recognize their talents,” she said. “I want to create an environment where students feel relaxed, supported, and inspired to grow. That’s what I needed, and I want to be that for someone else.”
“Beautiful Family”
Reflecting on her time at Holy Cross, Rivera says what’s meant the most isn’t just the art or the classes — it’s the community.
“I feel like I have a place here,” she said. “There’s never been a moment I couldn’t share my thoughts or feelings. I’m part of this beautiful family. We’re a tight-knit community, and I feel seen — not just as a student, but as a person.”
Rivera seeks to be a face of accompaniment for others as well. She’s lent her creative talents across campus — by helping design the Stall Street News, a student-focused bulletin posted in campus restrooms, contributing to public relations efforts for the Student Government Association, and assisting with preparations for Welcome Weekend to ensure new students feel at home from the moment they arrive.
And as she looks to the future at Holy Cross and beyond, she trusts that her path will continue to unfold. “God is going to lead me where I need to be. I just want to be the support system for others that I had here. Every student deserves that.”