Brandstater hosts first student-curated show, Pop-up Exhibit

The gallery showcased work from the senior summer project called “The PLAY Proposal.” The students were encouraged to research new techniques, experiment with new media, and reflect on themselves. “Many of the pieces can be considered as experiments or points on a roadmap to new personal breakthroughs,” said Randy Lauw, junior majoring in fine arts. For example, Anthony Bennett, senior fine arts major, used unconventional materials to create his tire sculpture and Yesenia Barron, also a senior fine arts major, used eco-dye fabrics, a process she had begun studying during spring quarter. Saunders encouraged both students and alumni to submit work that was experimental, different, and even unfinished.

“The purpose of this exhibit is to help us all get inspired, explore more, and see what others are working on,” said Saunders.

The opening reception featured nachos, chili, iced tea, lemonade, and a roundtable of chairs while Terrill Thomas, professor and chair of the Art and Design program, barbequed some food for parents, students, and faculty who attended. The exhibit attracted a large turn-out, including many first-time gallery visitors.

The event was part of a summer series called FAM Nights, where students and faculty meet twice a month to bond and hone their devotion for art and design. Transfer students and future students were also invited. The first FAM Night was held June 30 and consisted of a grilled cheese bar, s’mores, and a movie. Events are planned through the remainder of the summer.

“The relaxed summer schedule allows us the opportunity to take day trips to Los Angeles as part of our FAM nights,” said Thomas. On Sept. 4, FAM Night attendees traveled to Hollywood and hiked to the Hollywood sign.

The student show was the first time that Saunders has curated an exhibit. The idea was suggested by Tim Musso, gallery director and assistant professor, and Thomas. Saunders has worked in the gallery for the past two years, so the faculty entrusted her with the space. She is considering curation as a possible career, but she is interested in all gallery and museum work. The exhibit also served as a trial run for the senior show that will take place spring quarter of next year.

Saunders did most of the planning, promoting, and organizing for the opening reception and exhibit, but she also enlisted the help from students in the Art and Design Program. Lauw, Saunders, and Andrew Perez, junior fine arts major, worked together in installing the exhibit. They began by gathering all of the artwork that was submitted. Saunders curated the pieces that would be in the show. Next, they had to decide on the layout of the show, which includes the order and placement of the selected pieces. Then they had to form a system on how to hang the all of the pieces at specific heights and distances.

“The students ran the show,” said Thomas.

This gave students the opportunity to learn more about the installation process, something that usually is not taught to them until their fourth year. The department provided the students a theme to work from, paid for lunch, and assisted with the opening night reception. One major challenge the students faced was bringing a new, large format printer online to print out the poster work. Thomas gave the students the opportunity to postpone the event if they needed more time, but they unanimously voted to keep it on schedule.

“A lot of hard work and time was put in by many people to make the summer Pop-up Exhibit happen,” said Saunders. “I truly appreciate all the help and time that was volunteered for the exhibit.”