As attendees walk the concrete slabs of the arts department, they begin to notice the writing on the wall. A small drawing near the lockers of the art studio catches the eye of onlookers. The work is small, but profound enough to convey the artist’s vision.

Both literally and metaphorically, building 1B has a particular life to it. With the desert garden nearby students are given the opportunity to connect with nature and incorporate their surroundings into their art.

The building resembles a Spanish-style house-warm and cozy, a fitting home for busy art students seeking their next inspiration. At the doorstep of the Diana Berger Art Gallery, new paint on the wall fills the previously empty space with the words: “First Student-Produced Show: 74th Student Art Exhibition.”

For this exhibit, students were given full control over their art production and presentation, thanks to the support of director Kirk Pedersen. Previously, the arts department only allowed staff to produce the show at the Diana Berger Art Gallery. However, this time, Pedersen invited students to take the lead.
One piece that immediately catches the eye is #19, “!Sick Side!” by Mark Davila. The work on canvas incorporates spray paint, solid markers and acrylic paint. A second, three-dimensional part of the artwork features a spray paint can, two lighters, and a marker holder molded into creatures using polymer clay.
“Inspired by street culture, graffiti art, skateboarding, and surfing — just SoCal lifestyle,” Davila said.

Davila credits his skills to the guidance of Kirk Pedersen, a professor of fine arts. Pedersen, who holds two master’s degrees in fine arts, invited faculty to involve students in every aspect of this exhibit when he became director of the arts department. Students handled planning, submissions, jurying, and organization of all artwork for the show.
“We’ve had a student that just graduated from CSU Long Beach tell us this work is as strong or better than what she saw at Long Beach,” Pedersen said.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 72% of all post-secondary art teachers have an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D. However, a master’s degree may be sufficient for some community college positions, while others may require work experience in the field.
One student willing to make the sacrifice is Elizabith Meza, who one day hopes to be a professor of fine arts. Her piece, #85, “intertwined,” uses acrylic paint and incorporates dark shades of gray, blue and green to construct a love story.
“I think it was a little more personal and emotional,” Meza said. “Just current events in my life—like people who just keep coming back into my life.”

The creation of this piece posed challenges, particularly with precise blending techniques and maintaining consistent colors. Meza plans to continue incorporating skeletons into her work, as she has always been fascinated by them.
The gallery’s programming is generously funded and supported by the Arts Division, Associated Students, and the Foundation and Alumni Association to promote the arts and student involvement. Pedersen plans to continue this new student-led approach because of the organic learning it fosters.
Surprisingly, not all the featured works were created by art majors, adding another layer of inclusivity to this new tradition.
“One student told me he was a computer science major,” Pedersen said.
Mt. SAC’s expansive campus encourages students to explore various interests. This art exhibit allows students from all disciplines to express themselves and become more engaged with the school community. Pedersen highlighted this at the last Academic Senate, emphasizing the importance of arts education in today’s world.
Pedersen hopes all attendees leave with a renewed sense of optimism and “put a lot of faith in the youth.”