The newest piece in the Salt Lake Community College art collection was unveiled to students, faculty and members of the media during a special ceremony Friday, April 8 at the Center for Arts and Media.
“Common Identity, Salt Lake City” is a photo collage created by SLCC student artists Jesse Stubbins and McCade Gordon. Their idea was selected from a statewide competition that included more than 20 other proposals.
SLCC Art Committee chairman Gordon Storrs says the committee wanted to invest in a new piece that represents the student demographics of South City Campus.
“We wanted to have a piece in this part of the building that would really attract some attention and exemplify the diversity of our campus, our student body and our community in some way,” Storrs says.
Storrs says the committee is pleased with the end result, which now hangs just outside the South City Campus bookstore and library in the south foyer.
“Their proposal was within our budget and represented what we expected,” Storrs said. “It really fills the space up well, and this one really grabbed our attention when it was proposed.”
During the submission of the artwork, Stubbins and Gordon said their piece is a reflection of the community of Salt Lake City.
“Photographs were taken of people from differing backgrounds, ethnicities, and lifestyles, showcasing their individuality and each fragment of the piece is essential for the cohesion of the work, as well as the community,” the artists explained in a written statement. “All individuals that make up our society play an integral role in Utah’s unparalleled demographics. This site-specific piece mimics the diverse culture, rich atmosphere, and colorful nature of our environment.”
“Common Identity, Salt Lake City” will remain a part of the college’s permanent collection.
