Campus printmaking exhibit draws crowds
On display in the Fine Arts Building is a printmaking exhibit that has been open since Nov. 5. The exhibit features student art that was selected by the jurors Bob Rickerson, director of the art gallery/curator; and Bill Riley, Saddleback printmaking and drawing instructor.
Opening night featured the artists’ reception, in which awards were given out to the student artists. There was also live music performed by the Saddleback jazz band, free food and drinks. More than 300 people attended the event, and the awards given out totaled $500.
There was the Best of the Show Award, worth $200, which was awarded to Carla Meberg, a Saddleback student. “
This is my first time to show my print, and it was very exciting for me and my family,” said Meberg. “I felt privileged to have my work displayed in an exhibit with such outstanding pieces and accomplished artists.”
There were three “Juror’s Awards,” worth $100 each, which were awarded to Brian Borlaug, George Nelson, and Rosalie Lopez. The last award was an honorable mention, received by Bonnie Joy Massey, Barbara Daniel and Mary Lejewski.
“The show was an excellent collection of various visual styles and showed the unlimited range of what can be done with print,” said George Nelson, one of the student award winners. Nelson had two pieces of art that were displayed together in the exhibit.
The show is in conjunction with a national printmaking organization called Las Angeles Printmaking Society.
“Students had to be ‘student members’ of the organization in order to submit their work. They were allowed to submit up to three digital images,” said Rickerson.
There was no specific theme assigned. The main requirement is that all the pieces were run through a press of some sort. Each artist got to create his or her own representation, with no imaginative constraints, and they all had their own inspiration.
“My inspiration comes largely from the other students in my class. I am very fortunate to be in a class where beginners, intermediates and professionals all work together so I have the optimum learning experience,” Meberg said.
The exhibit will be on display in the Fine Arts Building until Nov. 25, so stop by to see the artwork while it is still open.