Four Beautiful Reasons to Celebrate


Exhibition Opening Slide

Students in North Seattle College's Continuing Education program were invited to submit artwork to be included in the 6th Annual Student Art Exhibition. We received well over 100 terrific works that had been produced in a North Seattle College Continuing Education art class. After many hours of deliberation, our jurors selected three Jurors' Choice winners and one Honorable Mention. Allow us to introduce you to these talented artists, their experiences, and inspiration.

ceramics Lisa SchmidtLisa Schmidt, Jurors' Choice
Elephant and Monkey Vessel | Ceramics

“I’ve made a lot of hand-built ceramic pieces through the years but I was looking for an affordable class where I could improve my wheel throwing skills. I liked the laid-back atmosphere of my NSC [Continuing Education] Advanced Ceramics class. Students worked independently but were also interested in other students’ work. Most of my classmates had taken a class at NSC in the past and were helpful in orienting the rest of us. Our teacher, Jake Brodsky, is a very talented potter who did a great job of meeting people at their skill level.

I found a book called 'Ceramics for Beginners, Animals and Figurines' by Susan Halls. It has dozens of examples of animal figures made in clay. The book contains lots of tips on building, finishing, and firing figurative pieces. The Elephant and Monkey Vessel was my best attempt at making a surreptitious lidded vessel.”

 

 

Painter Ryan HamburgerRyan Hamburger, Jurors' Choice 
Brushfires I Watercolor on Paper

“I was looking to build connections in Seattle and get back in touch with my creative side.The 'Abstract Watercolor' class is extremely supportive and encouraging. Many of the students have taken this class repeatedly and they were quick to offer encouragement. The classroom environment is very welcoming and relaxed. 

Virginia Paquette, the instructor, has an academic approach to teaching watercolor, which I appreciate. Color theory, composition, and other design principles are taught, which I found to be very necessary in thinking about creating abstract art. 

I had seen reports on all the wildfires happening in Australia. I saw an image of a satellite photograph of the fires that looked like a piece of abstract art, which I used as inspiration for this painting. I find inspiration for art by reading science fiction, or when current events really hit me emotionally.”

 

 

photographer Toni MunizzaToni Munizza, Jurors' Choice 
Reflections on Electra | Digital Photograph

“I had recently retired from my teaching career, and was looking to explore some interests that I never had time for while I was working. I have no background in the arts, I just a love and have an appreciation of art in all its forms.
This was my third photography class.  What I love about these classes is that  it pushes me to do more interesting work.  The thought of having to 'show my work', puts a good stress on me.  My beginners class and this black and white class were with Bob Stahl, who I adore.  He is inspiring, helpful, and he creates a good environment to learn both from him and your fellow classmates.  Even as a new photographer, he makes you feel good about what you produce, and gives insight on ways you might improve.
This image was taken on a class field trip to the Museum of Flight.  I loved the pattern of the fuselage on this plane, and the reflections that morning were incredible.

 

 

Drawing by artist Nompumelelo MfuphiNompumelelo Mfuphi, Honorable Mention
Bob Egg Cookie | Ink on Paris Paper

“I’ve always loved art so when the opportunity presented itself I knew that I had to take weekend classes to improve my art skills. I also wanted to surround myself with other artists. 

Susan Schneider is an amazing instructor she helped me through my creative process by giving me constructive criticism that help me understand art on a greater scale. I felt comfortable asking questions and making mistakes because I knew she would guide me in the right direction. She was always open to helping all the students in class. 

‘Bob Egg Cookie’ is my host family’s beloved cat I thought it would be a great idea to draw him.”

 

 

 

The 2020 NSC Continuing Education Student Art Exhibition is being held virtually through the North Seattle College Art Gallery, July 13 - August 14, 2020. We are so excited to be able to continue this event, celebrating the work of the many artists we reach through our classes each year, in this new online format. We hope you are too!