NPC Showcases Student Art And Poetry

Two females standing in front of wall holding certificates.The National Park College (NPC) Communication and Arts department hosted their annual art show and poetry contest. Along with poetry and art, the NPC Singers performed a selection from their upcoming concert, Waters. The Hospitality and Tourism program provided snacks and drinks for attendees.

Students and staff were invited to submit original poems based on the theme of “community and solidarity.” Poems were judged anonymously by the English faculty and winners were announced during the poetry reception. This year’s winners included Candra McDaniel, first place for her poem To Heal the Land; Antonia Harris, second place for her poem Gentrified Solidarity; and Molli Kvammen, third place for her poem Our Fortress.

Art students also displayed their work in various forms from digital art, photography, fine art and sculpture.

Six senior Digital and Media Arts students displayed capstone projects at the show. These students included videographer and filmmaker Jasmine Gonzales, illustrator Gryphon Young, illustrator and filmmaker Lance Porter, concept artist and illustrator Aspen Hill, branding and graphic designer Rosa Maya, branding and illustrator Alicia Jarquin.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the students and the program here at NPC,” stated Digital and Media Arts faculty Jennifer Seward. “Students live in the art department; they work really hard. The faculty try to cater to all students and their interests. We try to fuel the fires and let the students take ownership of their journey.”

Collectively, the senior students wanted to thank the faculty and staff of NPC, specifically those in the art department. Gonzales said, “As a student and a person, it is nice to know that people believe in me. I have had the pleasure of being pushed and shown the parts of myself that aren’t revealed. The support is overwhelming.”Six students standing in room with artwork behind them.

“The students make us look good,” said art faculty Lana Taliaferro.

Roger Fox associate dean of business, arts and technology would like to recognize Nannette Crane-Post, faculty member and chief organizer for the poetry contest; Jennifer Seward and her Graphic Design students for the layout and publication of The 101, the NPC Poetry and Art Review publication; Dan Anderson and his photography students; Lana Taliaferro and her art students for visual art submissions; and Tabatha Tuskey for facilitating the submission process, music instructor and choral director Ferris Allen and the NPC singers, and Eve Victory and the Hospitality students for the delicious food.

”National Park College students express their talents in so many different areas,” commented Allen. “Wednesday's event was special because it reminded us of the connection between seemingly different forms of artistic expression.”

“This is an event that began in the library with about 15 people and has grown into this wonderful showcase of students and the faculty and staff that support them,” noted Fox.

Pictured left to right in top picture: Candra McDaniel and Molli Kvammen.

Picture left to right in bottom picture: Jasmine Gonzales, Rosa Maya, Alicia Jarquin, Gryphon Young, Aspen Hill and Lance Porter.