In their former life, these drawers held science charts and laboratory equipment for chemistry experiments. Now they have a new purpose. Their interiors are canvases for alumnae artists from Louisiana and Texas who are reimagining them as works of art. Their oak sides frame vibrant artistic expression.

Julie Cristina and Doris Belleau ’09 who holds her completed drawer for the Legacy Gala auction.

From 1963 to 2014, their home was in chemistry teacher Julie Cristina’s lab on the second floor of St. Mary’s Hall. Over the decades their inventory has been used by thousands of Dominican students. When construction began on the Gayle and Tom Benson Science and Technology Complex, Cristina kept the drawers to move and store her chemistry equipment. The Dominican alum continues teaching at Dominican. The back of each drawer is signed by her.

Cristina has received numerous teaching awarding during her career. Among them: first recipient of Dominican’s St. Albert the Great Award and Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction that honors educators worldwide. However, she considers her students’ achievements the top honor. Many students have pursued careers in chemistry.

Reflecting on her tenure at Dominican, she shares, “I hope to be able to provide my students not only with the skills needed to solve problems (and not just in my subject matter), but also to instill in them the confidence and desire necessary for academic success and personal growth. And hopefully this will lead them forward on the path of life-long learning.”

The drawers will be auctioned at the February 10 Legacy Gala.

To learn more about the Legacy Gala or to purchase tickets, click here!