SBCC Atkinson Gallery Art Students Show

The Atkinson Gallery and Art Department at Santa Barbara City College presented the 2024 Annual Student Exhibition. SBCC first year and second year students submitted their artwork for consideration to be in the show, and to compete for an art studies scholarship. 

I attended the Opening Reception on Wednesday, April 17, at the Atkinson Gallery. Atkinson Gallery Director John Connelly explained that he reviews all the applicants for selection in the annual show, along with art department faculty-recommended student work. The exhibition has 70 works of art by 54 students in various mediums of 2D design, 3D design, ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. 

At the opening, Connelly acknowledged the Art Department faculty: Stephanie Dotson, Joy Kunz, Armando Ramos, Chris Ulivo, Stephanie Washburn, and Karen Tepaz.He thanked Dean Elizabeth Imhoff and President Erika Endrijonas; along with the support of the SBCC Foundation Board: Bobbi Abram, Rachel Johnson, Sarah Stretz, Jennifer LeMay, Kevin Muto,and Victoria Dominguez.

The Awards, from $250 to $5,000, were as follows: the Ventura Potters Guild Award for Ceramics to Emily Taylor; the Adrian “Ozz” Osborne Memorial Scholarship to Shay Harding; the Frederick and Ursula Perl Endowed Art Scholarship to Carolina Appleton and Nicole Trujillo; the Diane Handloser Outstanding Art History Student Award to Mia Velazquez; the Mary Dee Thompson Studio Art Scholarship to Sydney E. Miller; and the Eli Luria Honorary Scholarship in Studio Art to Annabel Contreras.

Following the awards I talked with Muto, Johnson, and Connelly. This was Muto’s first time at the exhibition, and he shared, “Definitely a very meaningful experience for me. I see works of art that are impressive from very capable students. It is a joy to see the students have their work exposed to the public. It is the first time for many of the students to exhibit, and it’s cool to have them seen by us.” Johnson, who purchased two artworks, added, “The student art show is absolutely one of the best shows of the year, and especially at the opening as they are awarded. Some will have new art patrons if they have chosen to have their work for sale as well.”

The exhibition will remain on view through Friday, May 10th, 2024.  

411: Atkinson Gallery Director, John Connelly: jconnelly1@pipeline.sbcc.edu