Art 76 class teaches students to succeed

The Portfolio Development and Professional Practices Class (Art 76) has taken over the Carmen Castellano Fine Arts Center during April to showcase their artwork.

The exhibit titled “Breakthrough” first opened April 8 and will continue through April 28.

“I fought for this exhibit,” said Jason Adkins, art professor. “The class was brought back for the first time last year after a long time.”

During the opening reception, one piece of artwork was sold and at least two other pieces were talked about being purchased.

Along with their art series, each student put together a binder that included an artist statement, resume and biography. Some students included samples of their art and business cards.

One of the collections included four portraits of a homeless person painted by Tom Baus, 65, art major. Baus used to be homeless himself and lived at a shelter.

“I try to tell their stories in my paintings because they are often misrepresented,” Baus said.

Baus said one of the subjects, “Alex,” refused to use medic care provided by the shelter and let himself fall apart. “Alex” is also the title of the piece.

Pammi Kalra, 40, art major, had a collection that used a technique called pouring, a process of pouring paint on a canvas and tilting the canvas so the paint mixes naturally.

“I want my work to be unpredictable,” Kalra said. “Spontaneity is a theme in this collection.”

Adkins gave her the advice to use house paint rather than artist paint, which is more costly. Kalra said the change in paint did not affect the quality of her work.

“Jason (Adkins) has introduced me to art galleries and other things in our community I had no clue existed,” said Delia Martinez, 50, art major.

The Art 76 students also go on at least two field trips. This semester, they visited San Jose State University and the De Young Museum in San Francisco.

“The class is very necessary,” Martinez said. “It helps us on all the things that frustrate artists like writing and business.”

Art 76 teaches students to understand the business part of selling art and displaying their work including building resumes, business cards and portfolios.

“I learned a lot about where I can show my art, who to talk to, how to build a website and about pricing my art,” said Alex Quilala, 27, animation major. “I’m feeling more confident that before taking this class.”

“For most students at this level it is difficult for them to contextualize their work in relation to the larger world,” Adkins said.

Art 76 is an advanced art class that requires enrolled students to take 12 units of prerequisites. The class is 3 units and only offered in the fall.

“Having a smaller class and operating the class like a seminar helps build camaraderie and a great atmosphere,” Adkins said.

The new gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Art 76 teaches students many skills to help them succeed at getting their work displayed in galleries and presenting themselves professionally.