“Conference Center,” an art exhibit in the Boone Family Art Gallery, cleverly named in remembrance of the old art gallery in the quad, displayed the art work of the faculty members of the school of Visual, Media and Performing Arts last Thursday.

The previous art gallery, which is now a conference center was converted due to the demands of prior administration.  This inspired Brian Tucker, director of The Boone Family Art Gallery, to cleverly title the event, “Conference Center,” as a reminder of the previous art gallery that was taken over.  The annual event for faculty members gives them a chance to step out of the classroom and display their talents through their unique creativity. This year was the first year it was held in the new Art Building.

The event presented the work of 37 professors who bravely previewed their artwork including photographs, water colors, digital art and jewelry.  Newest professor on campus, Clandra Carballada, displayed her first piece at the annual art gallery and was very excited to share her pastel drawing on tracing paper.

“I was inspired by dance movements,” said Carballada, who taught her first Foundation Drawing course this past summer.

Carballada, along with the other professors, felt that it was important to step out of teaching mode to indulge in their own personal inspiration.

“It’s important to keep it up,” Carballada said. “It would be unhealthy not to.”

Professor Allan Harrison also presented his talent through a beautiful oil painting on plywood. He advised that the title of his art piece had no significant correlation to his inspiration.

“The meaning is in the process of the work,” Harrison said, who teaches Painting and Life Drawings.

Other art pieces included a pair of earrings created by Professor Sarah Rudd, who teaches Intro to Jewelry and Metal Fabrication Art. She pieced together sterling silver, garnets and pearls and felt inspired during her visit to Oaxaca, Mexico. Mahara Sinclaire, who teaches the Basic Color and Composition class, previewed her oversized acrylic painting that demonstrated her thoughts on “artificial happiness” shown through media.

Tucker added that the art pieces completed by professors also created a sort of “conference” or meeting place of different ideas and approaches to art.  The success of the event has allowed it to be an annual tradition, serving as inspiration for art fans and aspiring artists.

“I hope that the art gallery becomes a place for investigating and debating ideas through art,” said Tucker. “For students and other viewers who come to the gallery.”

“Conference center” will be open until the end of the month and will also be open during Pasadena Art Night.