Former students shown in arts gallery

Former students’ art that incorporates pieces constructed in multiple mediums will be displayed in the Visual Arts Gallery in an exhibit titled “Re/Converge,” open for viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through March 26.

The goal of the exhibit is to showcase former Mt. Hood students’ art and inspire artists currently on campus to pursue their passions, with sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and other mediums featured. Those browsing the exhibit have the ability to sample different artistic approaches and be inspired.

Within the showcase, a common theme of convergence can be seen. There are pieces that demonstrate this by contrasting nature with urban cityscapes; others that merge the artistic abilities of multiple artists; and others still that utilize a variety of textures and materials.

The result is a collection of works representative of their respective artists, integrating with one another and creating an organism of visual art.

Miles Brown, Visual Art Gallery director, brought together the artists featured as a way of reuniting them with their former campus, so they may share their work with students like themselves. Many of them have gone on to further their education in fine arts.

Mt. Hood art instructor Lori Lorion said that “hanging their work here is an inspiration to students, to see and give them ideas about what it is that they can do.

“There is nothing I love more than being in a room surrounded by art, devoted to art, like a cathedral to art,” she said.

“Not all shows really feed me, but this one does. There’s something really wonderful about seeing a person starting to launch and having the courage to follow what it is they want to do,” she said of the aspiring former MHCC students.

Nancy Daboub and Nathan Turner are two former students and painters featured in the exhibit. They collaborated on the piece “Heal,” painted with acrylic and spray paint on a wood panel.

After the couple joked about Daboub’s dislike for talking about her work, Turner said a lot of his work is done with spray paint, as he started out as a graffiti artist “for seven or eight years.”

Turner described “Heal” as a truly joint effort, one that was “love-inspired.”

The various forms of artwork are carefully arranged, allowing the viewer an intimate glimpse into the world of the artist.

Creating this link with an audience is an intimate gesture which allows others to praise or critique, but above all gives the ability to express oneself.

“You have to have that kind of toughness, and you have to be absolutely wide open,” Lorion said of the artistic process. “There’s a fine line to walk. Nobody can tell you how to do it.

“It’s a journey, and I think it is important for students to see them take the first steps on that journey.”