Arting the Day Away at PCC

Written by Amanda Ly

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Photo by Amanda Ly

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The drop of a pin can be heard as I step through the entrance of the art gallery at V108. It's that quiet. The glare of the lights were dazzling but not too blinding unless one stared directly into it. ​

​The lights perfectly accentuated the art pieces and the otherwise intentional starkness of the rooms. 

Okay... I'll hide in a corner now.

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One wouldn't expect that twenty-three students have already walked on these squeaky clean floors upon opening two hours ago. This is information I found out from the two friendly students at the front desk, Stavroula Zygouri and Kelly Lenh. I arrived at Gallery V on November 5 at twelve on the dot, the first day of the opening of the gallery. Kelly and Stavroula were very kind, funny, welcoming, and full of quirkiness. They were gracious enough to give me a chance to interview them. The art exhibit featured student work from the Portfolio Development and Critique Class. Many kinds of genres are present including abstract, experimental, realistic, modern, pop surrealism (modern surrealism), realistic fantasy, concept design, illustration, and mixed media.

​Furthermore, I must say I really enjoyed my experience. Many of the art pieces were disturbing and thought-provoking. I like disturbing. It powers my soul and fuels my overactive mind. I could already envision different scenarios that the characters of the art pieces might do. I especially loved Haus' art piece that reminded me of the Joker.

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Photo by Amanda Ly | "Jokeher" by Ellie Haus

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It was her eyes. Her eyes snatched my attention and drew me in. The rings of her eyes... glow... The bright burst of colors, the haunting eyes will remain in my mind's eye for all of eternity. The character was not smiling but the red on her face made it appear so, upon first glance. It provoked thoughts of: 

What's in her mind? Is she making herself smile or someone else? What does the bang mean? Did someone get shot in front of her or did she shoot someone? What if other characters were a different gender? What would they look like? Would they do anything differently at all? If so, why? If not, why? 

Then, the thoughts piled in one after the other, and eventually started spinning and spinning around in a very limited cerebral space. 

However, Stavroula's art has a very, very special place in my heart. Fantasy is my first love. Just upon sight, her concept designs and world came alive in my mind. As Stavroula revealed bits and pieces of her characters, I felt like I knew them. Beyond her development of characterization, her varied use of different tones and colors caught my eye. She didn't stick to only colorful or only dark. In my opinion, her color choice is very pleasing to the eye, while Ellie's were more popping and enticing. Just seeing her characters, I want to read her story with all of my heart. 

Aside from the art in the gallery, the best part is that the gallery is free to attend and is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The first set of artists appeared in the art show from November 5 to 14. The second set of student artists will be featured from November 20 to December 6.

Hopefully, you enjoy the art as much as I did!

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Amanda Ly is a PCC student who attempts to write now and then. She says, "I find more enjoyment in reading and looking at art. It humbles me to be able to see imaginations come alive, imagination become reality. Anything has the potential to be art."