Indigenous Cultural Artifacts Shine in HWS Alum's "Ixim Ulew" Exhibit

Román Vargas García, a proud Posse alum of Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS), has made a significant impact through his capstone project for his critical museum studies minor. Roman’s gallery exhibit, titled Ixim Ulew, features rarely displayed pre-Columbian artifacts from the HWS art collection, showcasing his dedication to elevating marginalized cultures. Román earned a bachelor’s in art history with a double minor in history and critical museum studies.

The Posse Foundation believed in my ability to make a difference on campus, teaching me that trust and community are essential for meaningful change.

The pivotal project highlights not only the aesthetic beauty and cultural significance of these artifacts, but also Román’s journey as a curator. Inspired by his visit to the school’s art collection, which is housed in the basement of the Warren Hunting Smith Library, Román realized that many precious objects, including a unique ancient Maya ‘Killed Plate,’ had been hidden away from public view. Additionally, during a visit with his Indigenous Arts class, he learned that of the 17 pre-Columbian objects in the collection, only one had previously been displayed on campus. This discovery ignited Román’s desire to share these cultural treasures with the wider community. Reflecting on his time at HWS, Román shared how the holistic approach to education greatly influenced his academic journey.

“Starting in my first year, I was encouraged to try a variety of subjects to find what I would like to pursue as a career.” Roman added, "During my Freshman Spring semester, I fell in love with art history. To know the histories of the world was something I had always been interested in, but to connect objects and works of art with that history convinced me to major in it!”

Roman’s passion for art history became the foundation for his work in Ixim Ulew, allowing him to merge his academic interests with a mission to advocate for Indigenous communities. Román’s aspirations extend beyond the classroom; he aims to become an archaeologist dedicated to preserving and advocating for Indigenous cultural legacies. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from The Posse Foundation, emphasizing the importance of community and trust in driving meaningful change.

“The Posse Foundation believed in my ability to make a difference on campus, teaching me that trust and community are essential for meaningful change. This journey, while challenging, has been enriching. I’m deeply grateful for finding my path at HWS through Posse,” he stated.

As Román moves forward in his career, he hopes to extend the same trust and support to others, contributing to a positive change in the world.