Student art show starts in an air of mystery
UCC’s annual juried student art show features work created by students who have taken fine art and visual communications classes in the 2012-2013 academic year. The show is being held through June 7 in the Whipple art gallery.
This show is unique from other exhibitions in that it showcases the works of UCC students, not just professional artists.
“This show is really about celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of our students. They deserve the recognition,” art instructor Renee Couture said.
Student artist Leeah Whittier has three pieces being shown. One is a scratch board of an owl, which she spent over 40 hours completing-- doubling the amount of time the project required. Whittier’s boyfriend and UCC student, Jon Anderson, inspires some of her work through his photography.
“She’s a fabulous artist,” Anderson said.
Whittier’s other pieces include an ink pen and graphite drawing of a skeleton named Pat and a linoleum relief print of two anatomical hearts.
Whittier is in her third year at UCC studying fine arts. She will be transferring to University of Oregon in the fall to study art and biology.
Student artist Jared Hegg is also featured. Hegg has four pieces in the gallery, his favorite a self-portrait playing electric guitar using pencils, acrylic paint and digital as mediums.
Hegg grew up surrounded by family members who were very involved with art. He started as a graphic designer and has been impacted positively by the art instructors at UCC.
“I love Greg, Renee, and Sandee. Those three are so helpful and encouraging. They will always try to help a student grow in any way, especially when they see something particular in the student’s art form,” Hegg said.
Hegg has since broadened his skills in other forms of art and thinks that being artistic isn’t limited to art media exclusively.
“Everyone is an artist, they just have to figure out how to express it,” Hegg said.
The jury was comprised of Sherry Holub, Jon Leach and Susan Roden. All are practicing artists who understand just how much goes into creating art.
“They know what it’s like to make art — the difficult moments and wonderful moments, failures and successes related to a studio practice,” Couture said.
The jurors chose pieces they liked and worked together to create the presentation of the students’ art.
“They discussed each work as they ‘built’ the exhibit. Ultimately, their names as jurors are on the show as much as the students’ names and UCC’s,” Couture said.
Students could submit up to two works per class for the jurors to evaluate for possible exhibition. show.
The show opened with a reception May 9, when the exhibit and its pieces were introduced.
“We blacked out all the windows to the gallery which created an air of mystery. Students didn’t know which works were juried in and which works were not,” Couture said.
Marcos Ortegon, a former UCC student, was one of many who came to see the art show reveal and to catch up with old friends and teachers.
“I learn a lot about myself from other people’s art,” Ortegon said.
Ortegon has degrees in graphic communications and visual communications and has aspirations to start his own art career.
“It was a great reception; there were a lot of students and their friends and family; some faculty members from other departments came, too. The gallery was very full, which is great,” Couture said.
Couture is hopeful that the show will continue to be successful.
“I hope more students from all over campus come in over the next month to see what their colleagues have created,” Couture said.
The event is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visual communication students also have work on display at the Umpqua Valley Arts Center until July 9.