This year both Salt Lake Community College students and aspiring artists got to display their work at the seventh annual Multicultural Art Exhibit.
With art ranging from paintings, drawings, books, jewelry and even food, the Multicultural Art Exhibit is one of the most intriguing events hosted at the South City Campus.
Student Life and Leadership coordinator Dr. Abio Ayeliya says this event “allows students to show the talent they have pertaining what they have learned in class.
“It’s special because SLCC is the only institution in the state of Utah that presents an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to share their culture through art, it’s open for anyone.”
Fellow student and artist Moyra Pickup got to display her art this year amongst a terrific turnout.
“I love events like this where you get to bring your art and see everyone else’s art,” says Pickup. “This event is important to me because it’s a chance for me to get my work out there and it’s gratifying to put so much work into something and have that work appreciated by people.”
Pickup won first place for her painting titled “Blue Mask.”
The exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to explore the culture and talent of students and resident artists.
“This is an opportunity for everyone in the college to come and see the beauty of what the college is giving to the students,” says Ayeliya. “[It’s] a way to come together to learn and appreciate our differences, our culture and our backgrounds.”
The Multicultural Art Exhibit was held on April 1, providing a great way for students to showcase how they have grown as artists and what they hope to gain in the near future.
“I think that this exhibit demonstrates a lot [about] SLCC because the fine arts department is growing immensely. The art here says a lot about the students and how diverse everyone really is,” says SLCC student Greg Carver. “It’s a great opportunity for anyone to come and see what we’re doing as a college, as well as demonstrating the skills we’re obtaining here.”
Johnathan Whiting was one of the most unique artists at this year’s exhibit.
Whiting, aka Mr. Reese, is the author of children’s book “ABC Monsters.”
First place — “Blue Mask” by Moyra Pickup
Second place — “Orion” by Israel Alejandro Martinez
Third place — “180 Seconds” by Brock Child
“Most of my work is inspired by my ten nieces and nephews,” says Whiting. “Some of the characters in the books are named after them. They love monsters and robots, and they helped give me the ideas for my first book ‘ABC Monsters.’”
With an abundance of amazing art, perhaps the best part of the Multicultural Art Exhibit is that all of SLCC can come together to celebrate and be inspired.
