Gallery
15 Photos

Cathie Lawrence

Fourteen student artists were rewarded during a reception held in the Art Gallery Jan. 15 commemorating the Student Art Exhibition now on display.

Featuring various styles of art, the exhibit displays pieces chosen from over 300 works submitted by students, with each being entered into a contest pertaining to its corresponding genre.

“Thank you everyone for being here and supporting us,” said Gallery Director Judi Pettite, addressing a crowd of attendees
and artists whose works adorned the gallery walls and display pedestals.

Divided into two contests, the first set of awards presented were donated by the Art Guild of the Delta. With help from guild members throughout East Contra Costa County, the Art Guild heads a fundraiser specifically designed to provide prize money to those awarded in the Student Art Exhibition contest.

“All the work is beautiful,” said Rosalinda Grejsen, guild member and award presenter. “It was difficult to vote.”

Comprised of four categories – Graphic Design, 2D Art, 3D Art and Photography – each winner was awarded a $200 check courtesy of the guild. Among the winners was Zachary Gardner, whose work earned him the Art Guild of the Delta Award for Graphic Design.

“I was surprised actually,” said Gardner about receiving his award.

Gardner, who had unsuccessfully attempted to gain entry into the previous Student Art Exhibition, was excited to see three of his pieces decorate the walls of the gallery with those of his fellow artists, many of which he enjoyed.

“Seeing how they worked on them and how they are now,” said Gardner, recalling watching his peers begin to create their exhibition entries, “I’m impressed with a lot of them.”

Next students whose artwork was chosen by professional photographer Kelly Marshall in New York City were awarded prizes donated by Blick Art Supplies.

Separated into ten categories, each student who won in this final competition was addressed by members of the LMC Art Department and
greeted with applause from gallery attendees.

Katrina Butler, whose piece won the Juror’s Award for Digital Art, described her feelings when she first heard her art was to be on display.

“At first I thought not much of it, but when I saw it here with all the other work,” she paused, a wide smile appearing on her face, “I was like, wow! It’s kind of exhilarating.”

As the award ceremony concluded, the attendees applauded for all the artists whose works were featured, as well as for the artists who submitted their works but were not included in the exhibit.

“We acknowledge everyone’s hard work,” said Pettite, giving praise to all who participated.

For those interested in viewing the many works of art currently on display, the Student Art Exhibition will continue until Thursday, Feb. 5 and is located in the LMC Art Gallery next to the Library.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. with a break from 2:30 to 4.

For a complete list of artists featured and award winners, visit the LMC Art Gallery website at www.losmedanos.edu/art/gal.aspx.