EMCC Hosts TUHSD Student Art Reception
Avondale, Arizona – April 15, 2013 – Small but mighty, the Arts Program at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) looks forward to future growth as it continues to collaborate with other community arts entities.
This month, the art programs at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) come together, with EMCC judging and hosting the artwork of the District’s 4th Annual Juried Student Visual Art Show.
EMCC Art Professor Jimmy Fike has been the catalyst for reaching out to the Southwest Valley high schools and communities. “Though our arts program is relatively new, our arts students here are enthusiastic and talented, and they’re part of our growth. This art show gives high-school art students an introduction to our campus, and lets them know they can continue their studio art course work at the community college level,” said Fike.
Tolleson District high schools include Copper Canyon, Tolleson Union, La Joya Community, Westview, and Sierra Linda. The high schools’ Visual Arts Show provides art students the opportunity to showcase their talents and their arts, but it also exposes them to the process of competition and judging.
The opening reception is Wednesday, April 17, 2012, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Plaza Gallery on the campus of EMCC, located on Dysart and Thomas Roads in Avondale. Awards will be announced at the reception. The high school students’ artwork is being exhibited at various display locations on the EMCC campus through Sunday May 5, 2013. The public is welcome to attend the reception or visit the campus to view the show.
Gwen Brock, Visual Art Teacher and Performing and Visual Arts Department Chair, along with Ceramics teacher and co-organizer Erik Rodgers from La Joya Community High School, say the La Joya Community students who have work in the show are looking forward to the show and understand that “it is the natural progression of the young artist, to seek out venues to show their work” said Brock.
The Arts Program at EMCC aims to become an artistic hub for the Southwest Valley as the college prepares for the expansion of its new on-campus Performing Arts Center, with construction slated to start later this year. Currently, EMCC offers courses and programs in visual arts, photography, dance, theatre/performing arts, music, fashion, interior design, and more.
EMCC will be presenting its own annual arts event, Fine and Performing Arts Week, from April 29 through May 3, in which EMCC art students will showcase their work and celebrate their talents through a wide variety of events, performances, guest artists and exhibits. Many of the activities will be free and open to the public.
For more information about art exhibits, events, courses or programs, contact Jimmy Fike at 623-935-8570.