The blank walls, decorated with unique colors and mediums brightened up the small space of the Los Medanos College Art Gallery for the annual student exhibition and award ceremony held last Thursday. A handful of artists were presented with scholarships and art supplies for their work rewarded in the show.
During the selection process, the juror Gale Antokal “selects the [number] of accepted works for each category,” according to Gallery Director Carol Ladewig, which is “usually 50% of the total submissions.”
For many years, Ladewig has spearheaded the effort for art exhibitions at the college. She described the student show as “delightful” and noted the quality of work as “outstanding.”
“I hope viewers are intrigued and comfortable entering the exhibition,” Ladewig said adding, “In viewing the works their imaginations are stimulated and engaged in questions and discussions about what they are viewing.”
It was announced this exhibition would be Ladewig’s last, because like her colleagues in the Art Department, Ken Alexander and Donna Fenstermaker, they will retire at the end of the semester.
Alexander says he is “facing the idea of retirement with very mixed feelings,” adding “We have to leave it in the hands of the kids” as he shared his gratitude and introduced the rest of the department.
After introductions, Art History Professor Nick Nabas began the award ceremony for recipients in the student art exhibition, selected by Antokal. Following, the Art Guild of the Delta co-founders presented scholarships to recipients and have supported LMC artists for 10 years.
The categories included: digital, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. For each one, an art professor announced who placed from first to third with applause following after each name was called.
“It’s easy to get overwhelmed or stuck on your projects throughout the year, but the student exhibition helps me step outside of my creative bubble and appreciate what my peers have been working on,” said Alexis Ramirez, exhibition and Delta winner. “Their work is incredible, and being surrounded by a room of it truly puts their potential on display. It’s inspiring and fulfilling, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
Many were impressed by the work on display as family and friends supported the featured artists. For Abigail Thinn, this was her first time visiting the gallery, but she found the experience something she would return to.
“Presenting here is important because this is the best way we can appreciate the artwork and everyone can enjoy [it],” said Thinn. “This is the best thing for artists to let everyone see their artwork.”
Student work featured in the show will remain on display until May 9 in the LMC Art Gallery located in the library. The exhibition is free of admission and open to the public from 12-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The Juror Awards
Digital
1st: “of a girl” by Nyla Rahimi
Second: “Learning” by Brandon Orozco
Third: “Ballet Thru Time” by Bella MacLeod
Drawing
1st: “Aren’t you Tired Yet?” by Alexis Ramirez
2nd: “My Best Friend in the Whole World” by Cristal Bautista
3rd: “The Anteater” by Marianna Spekner
Mixed Media
1st: “Family Portrait” by Mary Vocal
2nd: “The Dark Goodbye” by Amye Louise Elbert
3rd: “BMO” by Nisha Sahota
Painting
1st: “Bird Song” by Catherine Satre
2nd: “Duchess Alexandria on Dessadera Bridge in Northern Messodona” by Jalen Houston
3rd: “Foothill” by Sapphiro Maciel
Photography
1st: “Bright Future” by Hailey Galvin
2nd: “The Work of the Honeybee” by Brandy Rasmussen
3rd: “5pm Tee Time” by Ryan Tryner
Sculpture
1st: “Growth Equality” by Amye Louise Elbert
2nd: “ChListians GLacious” by Kjell Harshman
3rd: “Life in Death” by Rachelle Cunanan
The Guild Awards
Drawing: “Out of Reach” by Alexis Ramirez
Painting: “Bird Song” by Catherine Satre
Digital: “of a girl” by Nyla Rahimi
Photography: “Bright Future” by Hailey Galvin
Sculpture: “Surrounding the Crane Spirit ” by Jalen Houston
