Capital City Arts Initiative's 'Fresh Outlook' exhibition featured at the Community Development Building

The Capital City Arts Initiative (CCAI) announces its exhibition, "Fresh Outlook", at the Community Development Building (the Brick), 108 E Proctor Street, Carson City, from May 25 — September 23, 2021. The Brick is open to the public, M-F, 8am - noon, 1-4pm. The exhibition video tour will be online soon at ccainv.org.

Fresh Outlook’s 27 students from Western Nevada College’s Carson City campus used a wide variety of art media including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and one extravagant textile. The exhibit includes two-years of student work, 2019 - 2021.

Participating students include: Laina Joy Aquino, Elizabeth Ardinger, Garrett Bowden, Mark Brenenstall, Aspen Carrillo, Sharon Carter, Lindsay Chowanski, Ryan Defalco, Margaret A. Densford, Summerlynn Dennis, Everett Fernquest, Bretta Guzzetta, Katie Holley, and Syeda Khatija. Also participating are: Nicole Klein, Alyssa Medieros, Josh Morris, Heather Nelson, Marietta Sophie Paul, Amanda Perry, Annelise Poor, Erynn Schrauth, Annie Tewalt, Heidi Thompson, Elizabeth Vincent, Micah Woodruff, and Bea Whitney.

Faculty member, Rachel Stiff, said about teaching and learning in this year of COVID, “The student art in Fresh Outlook is particularly interesting because it is work that spans a very specific timeline. It represents work from the days before COVID in Fall semester, 2019, before any of us knew how dramatically our lives were about to change, through Spring semester, 2021. At first the shift to online learning was difficult for everyone, especially in the beginning. And finally, we have come full circle to today with in-person learning again and gratitude for our shared spaces.

“While the work on display is strong, what this exhibition really shows us is that students are resilient. They are creative and they can adapt. Creating art was and continues to be really important, especially during the pandemic. Not only are students taking art classes to fulfill their degree requirements, but it also provides them with solace, and during these tough times, it has encouraged them to be in the moment.

“Art is a universal language and even though many class critiques occurred online during the pandemic, having something to focus on and share with one another offered students a sense of community. At times, isolation was a real factor for our students. The amazing work that our WNC Art Instructors did throughout the pandemic and in this last academic year has been critical in helping students meet their goals and make meaningful work regardless of their shifting environment. Take time with this work! You will witness our students confronting many challenging issues and finding meaning in the process.”

Motivation and creative inspiration for the students came from their instructors: Colleen Reynolds, Janice Shedd, Rachel Stiff, and Matt Thielen.

Sharon Rosse, CCAI Executive Director, said “The Initiative is delighted to work with WNC faculty and students to present this excellent exhibition and is grateful for their support. Fresh Outlook demonstrates the depth and diversity of the artists’ creativity.”

This show is another in CCAI’s ongoing series of student exhibitions in the Brick.

The Capital City Arts Initiative is an artist-centered not-for-profit organization committed to community engagement in contemporary visual arts through exhibitions, arts education programs, illustrated talks, artist residencies, and online activities.

The Initiative is funded by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, John and Grace Nauman Foundation, Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, City Cultural Commission, Kaplan Family Charitable Fund, U.S. Bank Foundation, Southwest Gas Corporation Foundation, Nancy Raven, Steele & Associates LLC, and CCAI sponsors and members.

For additional information, please visit CCAI’s website at www.ccainv.org.