Students at Glendale Community College unveiled a permanent art installation the main campus.

The installation, on display in the Student Union, at 6000 W. Olive Ave., consists of four large panels centered around a physical feature. Each panel reflects a distinct artistic style while the unique center feature makes viewers a part of the art.

The four-panel installation was created by ART Connections, the college’s Art Club, which found inspiration from their academic experiences at GCC, as well as making the transition back to campus from the recent pandemic environment. Their intention is to have the art reflect a more robust, in-person campus experience.

To unite the four panels, the students’ images project a learning experience that includes diversity as well as a positive future. 

The project is the result of a successful collaboration between numerous departments on campus, and was led by the student art club with guidance from their club advisor and had the full support of the college administration.

“We need not fixate on the past, but move forward and contemplate the now,” Club President Devin Dawson said. “This art project represents the intellectual, creative and occupational potential of being a student at GCC. We hope all who see this art can move past the last two years and share our sense of hope for a positive future.”

Members of GCC’s ART Connections present at the unveiling included Emmanuel Beltran,

Devin Dawson, Valeria Flores, Nathaly Gonzalez, Renan Kooistra, Yolvana Palacios, Amy Palmer, Landon Paluc, Alli Solomon, Huynh Minh Thy and Sapreeme Williams.

“The convex mirror in the center of the panels allows everyone to become active participants,” Club Advisor Diane Sanborn said. “It is a point of self-reflection for the viewers to pause and think about the value of one’s own education and connect how each person can create a better future for themselves and their families.”

The unveiling coincided with GCC’s 56th Student Art Exhibit. The annual juried student art show showcases the work of currently enrolled students or those who have been enrolled in an art class in the past year.