Esteemed Artists & Mentors at LBCC

Photo Courtesy of Linn-Benton Community College

The sunlight hit the back of North Santiam Hall as students gathered around and listened to art instructor Anne Magratten talk about various artists that visited to share their art with students and faculty alike. Artists talked about their upbringings, and who they have mentored to help shape the next generation of artists. As the sun eclipsed the building, works of art such as the replica of an ancient Greek warrior shined through their glass cases, showing the talent of LBCC's student body.

On Wednesday, Jan. 29th, LBCC held a gallery event titled "Esteemed Artists and Mentors" in North Santiam Hall that allowed various artists across Oregon to bring their work to the school and share it with students and staff alike. Not only did they share their works, but also shared what students can do to help further their learning experience in art. The event was held and regulated in part by gallery director Sin Melendez, who has been directing and setting up all LBCC gallery events since last fall.

"It's an intense job, but the experience is worth it." said Melendez.

Overseeing gallery events here isn't as simple as it sounds on the surface. Melendez takes emails/phone calls, sorts inventory sheets, sets up receptions, and oversees instillation among other things.

"If you're a career artist, It's important stuff to know." said Melendez.

There were various viewers of the Gallery in the hall, one of them being art lover Alex Wilson. Alex worked at the Portland Museum of Art for three years and has seen the art in Portland shape it's unique and lovable community

"Well done art curation helps gives communities (like LBCC) identity." said Wilson

Wilson loved the pieces that replicated works of art from the past, such as the various replicated sculptures from Africa and Mexico that aged from 800-1200 CE. Art from the past tells stories, and allows us to sometimes learn more about a cultures history than something in text.

"We love to tell stories. Art is a way for us to non verbally tell stories through time." said Wilson

Instructor Ann Magratten spoke to not only the artists, but the people in attendance as well. She spoke with passion and loved the ability to teach her students more through this gallery.

"This gallery is part of an initiative to make our galleries more student run." said Magratten.

"Artists influence each other, it's been happening forever." added Magratten. The gallery is a great way to fuel students creativity if they ever need it. Art learns off of itself, and continuously takes queues from other works. The influence of seasoned artists will help change the artwork of LBCC and further the progress to the goal of the galleries being more student run in the future.

Magratten ended the presentation on a high note, giving her thanks to those who mentored her and brought her to the position she is in today. The sunlight exited the hall as the reception ended. Artists and staff alike left the hall, but the imprint they made stayed.

At a glance:
Where: North Santiam Hall, LBCC
Who: Sin Melendez, Anne Magratten
What: "Esteemed Artists and Mentors"
When: Wednesday, January 31st, 1:00 PM
Links: Anne Magratten Instructor Info
LBCC Events Calendar