Wharton County Junior College art student Caroline Gillaspy of Sugar Land puts the finishing touches on a still life in preparation for the annual student art show, now on display in the hallway of the Duson-Hansen Fine Arts Building on the Wharton campus.
WHARTON, TEXAS – From portraits to landscapes to abstract concepts, Wharton County Junior College students are learning the fundamentals of art, one brush stroke at a time. And if the Fine Arts Department Student Art Show is any indication, the students are well on their way to mastering their chosen craft.
The show – comprising more than 25 original pieces of student art – is currently available for viewing in the hallway of the Duson-Hansen Fine Arts Building on the Wharton campus. An awards presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, April 30.
“The art show is the culmination of a lot of hard work on the part of the students,” said WCJC Art Instructor Dianne Curtis. “We have some very talented artists at WCJC.”
Though the students’ talent is obvious to anyone perusing this year’s entries, Curtis noted that it’s hard work – not raw ability – that makes a true artist.
“It’s all about effort,” she said. “Talent may enable someone to make their work look good, but the motivation has to come from within. An artist must be internally motivated.”
That sort of motivation is evident in students like Caroline Gillaspy of Sugar Land. The sophomore student is pursuing an engineering degree, yet has developed a passion to share her artistic vision with the public.
She has no qualms that it will take dedication, time and sacrifice to achieve that personal goal.
“Whether professionally or as a hobby, I will find a way to present my art to the world,” she said.
WCJC art student Bianca Camacho of Wharton is equally motivated.
“I would love to do this professionally, maybe as an illustrator or concept artist for movies and video games,” Camacho said.
Curtis is pleased that this year’s art show includes a handful of digital art entries. Her background is in graphic art, and she sees a real career for those students willing to match their artistic passions with technology.
“I would love to start a digital program here,” she said.
Students who contribute to the art show will have their work judged by WCJC faculty volunteers. Top exhibitors will be offered art scholarships for the fall 2018 semester. Curtis is hoping the show will stimulate interest in the program and lead to higher enrollment. She said there is a marked demand for more artists.
“An interest in art can absolutely lead to a rewarding and successful career,” she said.
Bay City art student Maya Ortiz is well aware of such possibilities.
“I like to paint and I love portraiture,” she said. “My goal is to be an art teacher.”
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