Generations of Art Alumni Connect with Students, Community
On the heels of its inaugural faculty exhibition, the new CSU Stanislaus Art Space on Main in downtown Turlock is currently featuring works by 42 alumni from the Department of Art. The exhibition “Art Alumni on Main” opened in the recently renovated space with a November reception that brought together alumni artists, faculty, current students and the community.
“This exhibition really showcases to the community many of our great alumni artists,” said Dean DeCocker, director of the University Art Gallery. “It is an opportunity for our alumni to reconnect with their professors and with each other — to share what they are working on and what they have accomplished.”
DeCocker also said the exhibition provides opportunities for current students to connect with alumni and learn about the types of work that they are doing post-graduation.
“This is a great show because you will see such a diverse group of artists,” said Ellen Roehne, a Modesto artist and lecturer in the CSU Stanislaus Department of Art. She encouraged students in her art appreciation class to attend the reception and interview the alumni artists.
“You are sure to find something to connect with.”
The exhibition is also multi-generational, with alumni whose children followed their footsteps into art at CSU Stanislaus and are now exhibiting together in this group show.
Clifford W. Bailey, ’10, who followed the example of his parents, Cliff H. and Ann W. Bailey, both from the class of ’73, are exhibiting very different works of art that include techniques in sculpture, mixed media and photography.
“Each of us does very different work,” Ann Bailey said. “Having our work here together starts a conversation about our different passions.”
Another family exhibiting together includes Larry DeTomasi, ’11, who teaches art at Pitman High School, and his daughter Jessica DeTomasi, ’14.
For recent grads, the exhibition is also an opportunity to cut their teeth in a professional gallery environment. Diana Isho, who graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2012 and is currently teaching art in Modesto while pursuing her teaching credential, said the exhibition has provided her a chance to grow professionally as an artist and to showcase her work for her students.
“I can’t believe that I’ve just graduated and now I am working and teaching art,” she said. “It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to show my work in a professional gallery.”
“Art Alumni on Main” runs through Jan. 16. Located at 135 W. Main Street, Art Space on Main is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Read the article here: https://www.csustan.edu/alumni-news/december-2014/generations-art-alumni-connect-students-community