In the interest of full disclosure, the author of this article has two works featured in the exhibition, although neither piece is for sale.
The Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts was bustling with activity April 9 as College of the Desert hosted the reception for its annual student art exhibition.
More than 100 students submitted artwork for the exhibition. The reception was held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Palm Desert campus.
The event featured performances by local musicians, including a student violinist and Jane and the Tax Evaders, which performed in the courtyard outside the gallery.
The showcase highlighted the COD art program’s commitment to supporting local artists and student creativity.
In pursuit of that same goal, several awards were presented to artists participating in the student exhibition.
The Artists Council, a local 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting artists in the Coachella Valley, presented awards for excellence to three student artists.
Palm Springs Art Museum awarded a one-year museum membership valued at more than $50 to Jaaziel Munoz in recognition of the artwork “Dreams 1 and 2.”
The membership allows the recipient free admission to all Palm Springs Art Museum locations.
Flat Black, a local gallery and art supplies store, recognized two students for their submissions.
College of the Desert also presented Outstanding Achievement awards in several artistic mediums, along with one Outstanding Dean’s Award.
Participants in the exhibition were invited to wear “Student Artist” lanyards to encourage conversation between attendees and artists.
No art reception would be complete without food, which in this case was generously provided by Taquitas Salsitas VIP. At several points throughout the evening, the taco line stretched from the courtyard to the student art market, which was held alongside the exhibition. Even so, the line was overshadowed by the large crowd gathered throughout the venue to enjoy the artwork.
While waiting for food, attendees also had the opportunity to receive free tote bags created by a local vendor. The bags were screen-printed on-site by Blue Hill Studios and featured the COD Roadrunner mascot, Beeps, painting a desert landscape.
Artwork created by students was available for purchase both inside and outside the event, as participating artists were given the opportunity to set prices for their featured pieces.
The exhibition includes a wide variety of artistic mediums and styles, ranging from ceramic sculptures and mixed media works to detailed fabric pieces.
Those interested in visiting the exhibition or purchasing artwork to support local artists can visit the Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibition is scheduled to run through May 8.
