Building 13 houses three art galleries that feature professional and faculty artwork, throughout the year, as well as exhibiting student’s creations.
Professional artists from all over the nation send their proposals to Sinclair to exhibit their work.
Pat McClelland, gallery coordinator, said the committee reviews over 100 proposals, and must choose only 12 to showcase throughout the year.
“We’re looking for artist that have eclectic taste,” McClelland said.
The show changes every four to six weeks, to introduce new art.
“Every month we have new work coming in,” McClelland said.
He said some of the professionals also teach at Sinclair. This gives an opportunity for students to see artwork that is produced by their professors.
“It allows students to see what their instructors do, and how it com- pares with what they say in class,” McClelland said.
George Hageman is the first featured artist. He is an art professor at Sinclair, along with being a professional artist.
“I love art and I love teaching,” Hageman said. “I thought this would be a great way to earn a living.”
Hageman’s favorite medium is oil painting, but he works with all different mediums of art.
“I also love drawing very much, as you can see in the show,” Hageman said. “Sinclair is my last big show, to show the different mediums.”
McClelland said art can be enriching and challenging.
It presents life in a creative process. He said many teachers from classes, outside of art, encourage their students to go and write responses about the artwork. Art changes your view on life. Hageman said other artists inspire him in his artwork, and life.
“George Inness, American landscape painter, is my favorite artist,” Hageman said.
The exhibitions aren’t limited to just faculty and professional artists, students also get an opportunity to showcase their work twice a year in the galleries.
“Artists are the ones who think outside the box,” McClelland said.
McClelland mentioned how things are transitioning from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). McClelland said artists advance technology. He encourages everyone to take an art class, whether it’s an art history class, or a sculpting class.
“You don’t have to be an artist to take an art class,” McClelland said. “Art allows you to view the world differently.”
Hageman said all students should follow their passion.
“Work hard, love what you do and you’ll be successful,” Hageman said.