The Citrus College Art Gallery in the VA building, opened an art exhibition called “Office Hours” on Oct. 1, with artwork from the Visual Arts staff and faculty. The exhibition will be open to Dec. 5.
The art gallery consisted of photography, paintings, sculptures and drawings. The exhibition is a way for students to view the work of their professors.
Citrus College student Freddie Robles, an art major, said he enjoyed coming to the art exhibition because it was different from others that he’s been to.
“It’s a little more hands-on work than I usually see here,” Robles said.
As an art major, Robles was able to see the art with a different perspective. He liked to look at the techniques used in the art.
“When I connect with it, it’s a little more on the technical level,” Robles said. “ I’m looking at how it’s made.”
Robles said this exhibition stood out because it featured the work of his professors.
“Even if you’re not an art major, you still have exposure to cool stuff to see what’s going on. It’s just like part of campus life,” Robles said.
Dyane Duffy, a Citrus College faculty member who helped organize the exhibition and participated in the gallery, said “I think art is incredibly important, and for people to have an experience of seeing it in person, creates that kind of connection with the art that is just completely different from just seeing something on your phone.”
Duffy said she hopes to see that students can visit the gallery and see the diversity in the artwork that the faculty represents. She said she hopes that students can be inspired by some of the techniques and materials that are used and can continue to pursue art over the years.
Amanda Konya, a Citrus College photography professor, shared that the “Office Hours” exhibition is an opportunity for students to see the art that is created by their professors and their creative practices.
“I don’t see my image production and educator roles separately, they are both part of a creative process that allow me to engage with aesthetics, concepts, problem solving and critical thinking,” Konya said. “I hope my students will find these skills invaluable both within and outside of the studio, as I have.”
Konya emphasized that lessons students learn through art extend beyond the classroom, influencing how they approach future opportunities and careers. “I hope the Citrus community recognizes the fulfilling and impactful lives that art educators lead, demonstrating that a successful career in the arts or creative economy is possible,” said Konya.
