British Columbia art teachers lead by example in new exhibit

September 15 – If anyone can find beauty and meaning in a time of uncertainty, it surely would be the artists. In addition to guiding up-and-coming artists, instructors at Bakersfield College have found time to create their own works, which are now on display at the Wylie and May Louise Jones Gallery.
Eleven artists are featured in the Bakersfield College Art School‘s 2021 exhibit, which features 18 works, including photographs, acrylic and watercolor paintings, paper collages and a woodcut. Among the multimedia works in the exhibition is a three-dimensional piece by design professor David Koeth that is from his ongoing series that uses citrus peels.
Ronnie Wrest, co-director of the gallery and professor of art history, said his colleagues said that beyond using art as an outlet, they also prioritize the integration of their creative practice in their daily life.
“Looking around the show, I see expressions of chaos, but I also see calm and peace in most of the work, which is interesting considering the added stress and anxiety we’ve been through. lately, “he wrote in an email. .
Wrest said he hopes viewers will be able to appreciate the “steadfast (artistic) output of the BC Art Faculty in the face of current conditions” that can serve as a role model for BC students. Briton as they advance.
Besides Koeth and Wrest, which exhibits two photos from his series documenting public art and murals, other participants are Adel Shafik, Dacey Villarreal, Darrin Ekern, Gina Herrera, Jamee Eaton, Jeff Huston, Joseph Tipay, Kristopher Stallworth and Nyoka Reed.
An artists reception will be held Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the gallery, which is located in the Grace Van Dyke Bird Library on the college’s main campus, 1801 Panorama Drive.
Those wishing to attend should visit calendly.com/jonesgallery/2021-art-faculty-exhibition to make an appointment.
The exhibit will remain on view until October 22, although the campus is currently closed for most in-person events.
For more information about the gallery, email [email protected] or 661-395-4552.
Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @realstefanidias.