Alviso Gallery showcases Santa Clara artwork
By Kristina Chiapella
Beginning June 1, the artistically talented students and alumni of Santa Clara will have the opportunity to showcase their work in a weeklong exhibition called "Mind Over Matter."
This event is part of an independent study project put on by the Santa Clara University Visual Arts Society, which is a student art history and studio art organization sponsored by Santa Clara's art department.
Co-founders of the organization Jayna Swartzman and Jekaterina Kulesova are both seniors at Santa Clara and founded the Visual Arts Society in January 2005.
Swartzman, an art history major, said that the art featured in the gallery will include "a wide variety of contemporary student artwork, with content in a variety of perspectives such as landscapes, portraits and pop-aesthetic." This is not the first time that the society will be launching an exhibit.
Their first student gallery opening was in February at the Phantom Galleries in downtown San Jose.
However, this upcoming exhibit is significant because this is the first time the show will exclusively feature Santa Clara students and alumni.
The Visual Art Society's primary mission, as stated by their Web site, is to "ensure that appreciation, understanding and inventive expression in the arts flourishes in Santa Clara and the Bay Area, for people of all ages and backgrounds."
Students from all across the board will be presenting their work in the forms of photography, mixed media, painting and sculpture.
Their work will draw on many sources of knowledge; for example, one artist used her experiences traveling abroad in painting landscapes.
While all students are welcome to participate, the majority of the artists featured will be juniors and seniors.
The purpose of the exhibition, says Swartzman, is "to present an academic alternative to liberal arts majors." She has high hopes that the gallery will "provide an avenue for liberal arts students, in general, the chance for public exposure and serve as a gateway into the professional realm."
The life of an artist is seldom easy.
A major goal of this event is to equip the participants with the skills necessary to survive in their chosen trade.
"It's a great way to provide them with networking tools and something to add to their resume," says Swartzman.
"It's also a great opportunity to expose them to the career realm, as well as to gain confidence in themselves as artists. Artists have to have a tough skin."
The selling of artwork is an important factor.
While 20 percent of the profits will go to the Alviso Gallery and the Dean's Office for their contributions of gallery use and initial funds, the remaining 80 percent will go to the artists.
This money will allow them to buy the supplies needed to keep challenging themselves as artists and creating new work.
The price of the pieces range from $75 to $2,000 and are based on a scale of the work and the medium, as well as how recognized the artist is.
For instance, a piece of art selling for the high price of $2,000 might be one of the ceramic busts by Santa Clara alumna Leslie Rice.
But it's good to remember, says Swartzman, that art is not about the price tag.
"It's about the artists' devotion to their own work."
The Visual Arts Society is expecting an expansive invite list, including members of other art galleries who may give Santa Clara artists access to different galleries and venues in the area.
Whether you are an art major, an art connoisseur or simply interested in supporting the artwork of Santa Clara artists, this is one event that you won't want to miss.
The event will take place in the Alviso Gallery located at 721 Franklin St., with the art available for viewing and purchasing from June 1 through June 8.
The opening reception will take place on Friday, June 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will feature wine, food, music and poetry reading.
For more information about the Visual Arts Society, visit their Web site at www.visualartssociety.squarespace.com.
Contact Kristina Chiapella at (408) 551-1918 or kchiapella@scu.edu.