Nov 04, 2024 CSUCI's All-Alumni Exhibition proves you can do plenty with an Art major

Nov. 4, 2024 - Fresh off the University's first-ever Homecoming Week, CSU Channel Islands' (CSUCI's) Department of Art History will continue the celebration of school spirit with "Chasing Echoes: 21 Years of Creative Chaos," the second-ever all-alumni art exhibition, which will be on display from Nov. 9 through Dec. 13 in the Napa Hall Art Gallery. A public reception will be held on Nov. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Featuring a variety of artwork and a diverse range of media, the exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, photography, animations, comics, installations, video and film production, and professional and commercial design-work. Community members, aspiring artists, and anyone with an interest in art are encouraged to attend.

Since the beginning, CSUCI's Art Studio program has been one of the more sought-after majors for its intimate and innovative approach to artistic practice which allows students to combine interests in traditional media - think painting and ceramics - with graphic design, digital media, animation, and filmmaking.

"Our students don't just receive an education here in the Art Department, they are forever part of a community," said Program Chair and Associate Professor of Art Marianne McGrath. "This community is built in our studio classes, at our events, and in the collaborations that are born here on this campus."

The success of the department's graduates can be seen not just in the professional roles they assume but in the fact that they still lead active and creative lives, producing dynamic and innovative work.

Professor of Art Luke Matjas said, "CSUCI's Art alumni have gone on to work at Disney, Apple, NBC Universal, Google, Activision, HBO, Patagonia, and so many high-profile companies, but also a variety of mom-and-pop design shops. They work for the National Park Service, museums, and other public institutions. It's great to find commercial success, but honestly, we define success as staying engaged and continuing to live a creative life, regardless of the field our graduates choose."

As a special tribute to the alumni, the exhibition itself was designed by four current students who are enrolled in an Independent Study-based research project with Matjas. Seniors Annette Power, Kathryn Holland, Edith Tacen, and Kendra Ramos, are all involved in the development, design, and orchestration of the exhibit.

"Teaming up with these gifted designers has helped me understand what it is like to be in a creatively collaborative environment and how the design world works, by utilizing ideas from different perspectives, said Holland. "This project is by far one of my favorite things that I have created while in college, especially getting to work with friends and fellow seniors to make a wonderful exhibit to display the works of the art alumni here at CSU Channel Islands."

Holland's experience aligns with what McGrath said about students who major in Art, "Art is not a solo endeavor - it's a reflection on the space and time and place where one creates, and our graduates carry this sense of community with them."

"Chasing Echoes" 21 Years of Creative Chaos" will be open Nov. 9 through Dec. 13 in CSUCI's Napa Hall Gallery, located on the main campus at One University Drive in Camarillo. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CSUCI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

To learn more, visit the CSUCI Art website.

The University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs, events and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the respective area below as soon as possible, but no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event/activity:

CSUCI Students
[email protected]

CSUCI Employees and Members of the Public
[email protected]