On September 23, the Signal Peak campus opened the doors of its Student Art Gallery to display our students’ works of art. While the showing lasted only from 3 to 4 pm, many students, faculty and members of the community came out to show their support.

Taking place in the N building, the gallery featured pieces from Digital Photography, Advanced Digital Photography, Beginning Jewelry and Metalwork, Drawing 1, Intermediate Drawing, and 2D Design. With all of the different pieces featured, the cozy gallery still had room to accommodate the crowd of people that showed up. Mingling over the pot stickers and mango infused pulled-pork bruschetta provided by our culinary students, not only did those in attendance get a chance to look at some great works of art, but they were also able to interact with some of their creators. I had the opportunity to interview several student artists to find out a little about them and to ask what inspires them, as well as what challenges them.

Have you ever looked at a photo and thought, how did the photographer possibly capture that image? It probably took a couple shots; I can tell you that. Vanessa Lozano put it best by stating that, “In Advanced [Photography], you get used to all the technical stuff… the angle can be kind of hard.” Taylor Slaughter also had issues when trying to capture an image she calls, “Curvature.” ”It was a little hard to get the lighting exactly how I wanted it. I wanted it to be dark on one side and light on the other.”

Difficulties are not isolated to photographers though; Victoria Allison, a beginning Jewelry and Metalwork student, has also had her fair share of issues. Having hand sawed all of her own pieces for the showing, she described how one slip up can ruin an entire piece of jewelry.

Inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere. For some, it can be their environment. Vanessa found inspiration for one of her “dark” pieces amongst the old, rusty cars and trucks in her father’s backyard. The subtle curves of nature and its creatures, specifically Koi fish, inspired Victoria. Sometimes it can come from unexpected places. Take Taylor for instance; she found inspiration from her own body. “The body is a wonderful place to find form everywhere,” she commented. For others, inspiration comes from the people in their lives. Through her nieces, Marielle was able to find hers. “They’re what I love most… if you do any assignment, do something you love.” That’s a great way to put it, Marielle.

I only had the opportunity to speak to a few of our student artists, but there’s so much talent around on our campuses. If you can, take some time and head over to the student gallery. Congratulations to our student artists, and best of luck on your future endeavors.} else {