Fresh off CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI’s) first Homecoming Week, the school’s Department of Art History is continuing the celebration with “Chasing Echoes: 21 Years of Creative Chaos,” its second all-alumni art exhibit, on display, Nov. 9 through Dec. 13 in the Napa Hall Art Gallery.

A public reception will be held 5-7 p.m. Nov. 9.

Featuring a variety of artwork and media, the exhibit includes paintings, sculptures, photography, animations, comics, installations, video and film production, and professional and commercial design-work.

Since its start, CSUCI’s Art Studio program has been one of the more popular majors for its intimate and innovative approach to artistic practice, allowing students to combine interests in traditional media (i.e. painting and ceramics) with graphic design, digital media, animation and filmmaking.
 
“Our students don’t just receive an education here in the Art Department, they are forever part of a community,” said Marianne McGrath, program chair and associate professor of art.

“This community is built in our studio classes, at our events, and in the collaborations that are born here on this campus,” she said.

Professor of art Luke Matjas said, “CSUCI’s art alumni have gone on to work at Disney, Apple, NBC Universal, Google, Activision, HBO, Patagonia, and so many high-profile companies, but also a variety of mom-and-pop design shops.

“They work for the National Park Service, museums, and other public institutions. It’s great to find commercial success, but honestly, we define success as staying engaged and continuing to live a creative life, regardless of the field our graduates choose.”
 
As a tribute to the alumni, the exhibit was designed by four current students who are enrolled in an independent study-based research project with Matjas. Seniors Annette Power, Kathryn Holland, Edith Tacen, and Kendra Ramos, are all involved in the development, design, and orchestration of the show.
 
“Teaming up with these gifted designers has helped me understand what it is like to be in a creatively collaborative environment and how the design world works, by utilizing ideas from different perspectives, said Holland.

“This project is by far one of my favorite things that I have created while in college, especially getting to work with friends and fellow seniors to make a wonderful exhibit to display the works of the art alumni here at CSU Channel Islands,” she said.
 
The gallery is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit. Parking is free at Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road with bus service to and from campus. For bus schedule, visit www.goventura.org.