(Image Self-Photographed)
Staff Writer: Rena Danho
Email: rdanho@umassd.edu
Sadly on April 5th, 2023, the world lost a beautiful soul.
For those of you who didn’t know Alex Landry, she was a Master in Fine Arts student who attended UMass Dartmouth as a painting major and, from 2020-2021, taught Foundations 110 in the CVPA.
Alex was always full of light and one of the best artists. If you met her and you were an art major, she would go on and on about how you should switch your major to painting or take painting classes.
She was always doing something artistic, whether teaching a class, doing her art, or drawing on a napkin.
Alex had many friends and family members who loved and supported her art.
The art world has lost an artist. Alex’s art is hanging up in CVPA at the MFA show for everyone to see on display.
I was thankful enough to speak with Alex’s mother and have her blessing to discuss what happened.
On April 5th, 2023, we lost Alexandra Landry to suicide.
Each year approximately 24,000 college students attempt suicide. And although sometimes it may seem challenging and like there isn’t a way out, there is always someone there to support you. No matter what.
Never be afraid to reach out to someone because there will always be a person who loves you and wants you here.
Alex significantly impacted the art community and the world around her.
As one of her students, attending her class never felt like a chore. It was exciting to go to class and to draw. Listening to Alex make jokes about what we were drawing, helping us, or having us find her coffee, it was always something new.
Whether you know Alex as a family member, a friend, a student, a professor, or an artist, she made sure to make an impact everywhere she went.
“She was a professor of mine Freshman year. I remember the first time she saw a chipmunk and had no idea that’s what one looked like! We all couldn’t stop laughing at how cool she thought it was because they are so common around here but not where she’s from. I was really looking forward to seeing her at the exhibition in New Bedford. She will be dearly missed.” – anonymous
“Alex taught one of my first art classes my freshman year and taught me how to really draw. She demonstrated her drawing process and how to sight read with a pencil or skewer, and I looked up to her for her talent. She was super funny and so kind and helped me fall in love with drawing, and I am forever thankful for getting to meet such a sweet soul.” – anonymous
“Alex was a beyond talented artist that has left her impact on this world with her art. She will be missed but forever remembered.” – anonymous
“I would watch her paint during the open studios. She has an amazing talent for color, we would talk about her gallery, and I was always in awe of her collection. Watching her paint and looking at her paintings was such an emotional moment. – anonymous
Being in class as a student one semester, Alex always had us laughing. Whether it was the extravagant still life compositions we were drawing, or the silly side conversations while working, there was never a dull class.” – anonymous
“I shared classes with Alex, and she was an incredible inspiration to me (and I’m sure many others) when it came to painting. She painted in a way that was thoughtful, meticulous, expressive, and unique. every time I saw her painting, I would always have to stop in awe and watch her for a little bit because it’s just hard to fathom that someone can have that much talent. Although I did not know her too well as a person, her presence was always kind and comforting, and our professors would always rave about her. I am so so sorry to everyone who knew Alex. I am sending you all my love. <3
One of my fondest memories from freshman year was in one of her classes. CWGS on campus was doing a scavenger hunt on campus to promote sexual awareness, where they placed 3D-printed clitorises for people to find. I remember we were in the middle of class when we found a couple, and she stopped class so that we all could hunt them together. It was the midst of the pandemic, and even with all the restrictions placed on us, she still managed to make our class feel like such a community. She was such a vibrant soul, and my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. ❤️” -Vanessa DiMase
“During my freshman year of college here, I rolled my car into a cranberry bog. Which is only relevant because the notebooks that I needed for her class were in there. So my now-roommate and I went up to her graduate studio to let her know that I might not have them in time for class. She waved it off completely and was more focused on my well-being, showed us around the studios, and tried to convince us to become painting majors for the hundredth time. And every time we’d visit her from then on, it’d just be hours of supportive conversation until we’d realize how long it had been and have to run out. I wish we’d spent longer there.” – anonymous
These are comments from students and friends who all miss Alex and wanted to share their favorite things about her and their memories together.
Not to mention the love that was shown at the Vigil held on April 10th for Frankie Petillo Jr. and Alex. Students came to the library to listen to loved ones and show respect for Alex and Frankie.
A memorial for Alex was also created by students near CVPA to show her love for the arts.
Anyone who met Alex was lucky to meet someone as bright as Alex. Her art will always be shared and appreciated by many. It’s sad to see someone as great as Alex leave so early, but she will be loved and missed. As a family member, a friend, a student, a professor, and an artist.
If you are ever feeling down and you need someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to call 988, the suicide hotline, to talk to someone. You can learn more about this at 988lifeline.org.
You are loved.
If you are looking for on-campus support, the Counseling Center can be reached at 508-999-8648 or by visiting their website here.
The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life provides confidential pastoral counseling and can be reached at 508-999-8872.