Caldwell NJ – The Caldwell University Mueller Gallery launched Body Ody Ody, an exhibition showcasing recent paintings by artists Melissa Wilkinson and Jialun Tong on October 28, 2026 that will run through December 10, 2026. An Artist Talk and Reception will take place on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The exhibition features depictions of the human form in paint that are alternately exuberant and deeply mysterious.“The artwork included in the show is surprising, sharp, and thoroughly engaging. We’re lucky to be able to host artists of this caliber in the Mueller Gallery,” said Céline Browning, Assistant Professor and Gallery Director.
The gallery is located in the Caldwell University Student Center, and open to the public Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., other than school holidays.

About the Artists

Jialun Tong received his BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2025. His work has been exhibited at the Museum at FIT, SUNY Global Center, H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, Rockefeller Institute of Government, Gracie Mansion, as well as galleries in New York and Denver.

Melissa Wilkinson received her BFA in painting from Western Illinois University in 2002, and an MFA in painting from Southern Illinois University in 2006. Her work has been featured in wide reaching publications including 3 editions of New American Paintings and 4 editions of INDA: Manifest International Drawing Annual.