SDSU School of Art and Design

SDSU School of Art and Design is proud to congratulate undergraduate students Darby Bell, Jorge Gerardo, Aiyana Grenda, and Jenna Mcguigan who were selected by the World Design Capital committee as winners of the 2024 Binational Poster Exhibition. Their work will be displayed in ARTS 477 in September. Let's go SDSU!! 🥳🎉

We were saddened to learn of Arline Fisch's passing on August 20, one day before her 94th birthday. Fisch founded the Jewelry and Metalwork program at the School of Art and Design.

Fisch was hired in 1961 and worked at SDSU until her retirement in 2000. “SDSU was my life for 40 years,” she said in an interview with The Daily Aztec in September 2016. “It was a good place for me to have the freedom to teach and be an artist at the same time.”

She said her greatest legacy will “be my students and what they do.”

Photos:
1. Arline Fisch in the early 1960s. Photograph by Lynn Fayman. 2. "Corals" by Arline Fisch (Photos: Will Gullette). 3. Arline M. Fisch with Artwork. © San Diego State University. All rights reserved.

We are so excited to welcome new faculty member Eunice Uhm! Dr. Uhm joins us from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where she served as Assistant Professor of Art History and Museum Studies since 2022.

Eunice Uhm is an art historian specializing in modern and contemporary art, with a transnational focus on the United States and East Asia. Her work examines the conditions of migration and the diasporic aesthetic subjectivities in the works of contemporary Japanese and South Korean art from the 1960s to the present. Her current book project, tentatively titled "The Subversive Possibilities: Representation of Domesticity in East Asian Diaspora", considers how diasporic women artists addressed the racialized and gendered questions of modernity and cultural labor through the notion of domesticity. Beyond her academic research, she curated several exhibitions on themes such as the Korean diaspora and migration and ecology. She is also a member of numerous grassroots community organizations for Asian Americans and immigrant rights, and she was involved in immigrant rights campaigns such as Love Has No Borders: A call for justice in our immigration system. She received her Ph.D. from the Ohio State University.

SDSU just got a new splash of color! Carlos Castro's Painting 2 class has brought to life a stunning mural, conceived by Carlos Castro and Alana Dillette. This vibrant artwork celebrates the values of our School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, promoting diversity and inclusion in every brushstroke.

Recent MFA graduate Robin North will present a solo exhibition at Art Produce in North Park, featuring his body of work inspired by tracing his past and exploring the stories of the Black Southern experience. The immersive experience combines photography, oral histories, collective memory, objects, and cotton.

Rewoven Narratives: Cotton, History, Modernity, and the Black Southern Experience
Exhibition Dates: July 9 to August 17, 2024
Opening Reception: Tuesday, July 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Gallery hours:
Art Produce Gallery Hours: Thursdays & Fridays 2-5 p.m. or by appointment

Photo credit: "Air Cotton" by Robin North

Read more on KPBS: https://www.kpbs.org/events/ongoing/robin-north-rewoven-narratives-cotton-history-modernity-and-the-black-southern-experience?utm_source=kpbs&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=informz&_zs=h4cld&_zl=ijL84

Alumna and lecturer Kline Swonger presents "Lancea", a site-specific installation created from close observation of the light, shadows, and subtle features present within Ice Gallery, located in the Bread & Salt building.

Check out the opening reception on Saturday, June 22nd from 3-6 p.m.!

https://icegallerysd.com/

Are you a current student looking for a part-time on-campus job this fall semester? Here are two you can check out:

Interior Architecture Professor Yin Yu is hiring an Interior Architecture Student Research Assistant. Learn more at this link: https://tinyurl.com/sdsuart

The Art Office is hiring a student assistant to assist in the main office. If interested, send your resume and a letter of interest to artinfo[at]sdsu.edu, or apply on Handshake.

Congratulations to 2024 graduate Hana Foo, who received the Windgate-Lamar Fellowship. This award will support her next year as she travels across Asia, where she will study almost forgotten techniques and bring them into her practice. She will also attend Anderson Ranch Arts Center for Ceramics with a scholarship from SDSU, an Anderson Ranch scholarship partner.

Graduating with Magna Cum Laude distinction in 2024, Hana said, “My greatest accomplishment under the Applied Design major has been developing confidence and motivation in making. My peers and professors have taught me rigor through their unwavering belief in me, which made me recognize my own potential as something worth chasing after. Experiencing genuine support in my SDSU community has been so meaningful to me because of how easily communities can compare and compete instead of supporting each other.”

Congratulations, Hana!

https://www.centerforcraft.org/recipient/hana-foo

Next Friday - all are welcome to attend the closing reception of On the Line / En La Línea: Students from the Borderlands in the University Art Gallery. We hope to see you on June 7th from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

This exhibition was organized by faculty members Kerianne Quick, Adam Manley, and Iren Tete

Inspired by the La Frontera exhibition on view at Mingei International Museum and the Centro Cultural Tijuana, students at SDSU, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, University of Texas El Paso, and Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez are using a shared assignment brief to make work based on this theme from their perspectives as part of thematic classwork lead by faculty across the Applied Design, Craft, and Plastic Arts areas of these institutions.

The juried exhibition of student works will be presented in the University Art Gallery from mid-May to mid-June, with a public closing reception on June 7, 2024, from 5-7 p.m.

In conjunction with the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) Conference, this reception will be held at the same time as several receptions on the campus of historical and contemporary jewelry and metalwork by emerita faculty, faculty, alumni, and professional artists from across the nation.

Images: Reed Fagan, Split Torus, 2020, Silver, 10" x 10" x 7". Jennifer Moore, Letters (Ripple), 2021, Etched aluminum, lacquer, steel, 6" x 2" x 1".

Alumna Leila Khalilzadeh Aghdami will be Art Produce's Cooler Room Artist in Residence from June 10 to August 10, 2024.

Leila Khalilzadeh’s work focuses on exploring identity perception to depict the presence and absence of the female body. Her practice delves into gender, cultural identity, and psychological themes, with memory and identity being integral to her artistic process. Khalilzadeh’s cultural background and upbringing have played a significant role in nurturing her passion for art and critical thinking. Her primary medium is oil on canvas and fabric, incorporating textile and other materials.

https://www.artproduce.org/leila-khalilzadeh-aghdami.html

Congratulations to faculty member Sondra Sherman on her current exhibition at Jakob Bengel in Idar-Oberstein, Germany! The exhibition is on view until July 5th.

Exhibition Details
The Gemstone Apothecary by Sondra Sherman at Jakob Bengel
May 17 through July 5, 2024

The Gemstone Apothecary considers the psychology of superstition as found in the belief in healing stones and amulet jewelry. Abstracted molecular diagrams of conventional psychopharmacology, botanical medicinals, inkblots, and amulet jewelry references, create a framework for the ‘healing’ stones.
Drawing from the efficacy of belief/the placebo and the psychosocial functions of jewelry the Gemstone Apothecary appraises a reflective acceptance of beliefs that may help serve as a balm for the human psyche in uncertain times.

https://klimt02.net/events/exhibitions/gemstone-apothecary-sondra-sherman-villa-bengel

1: Pendant: Sertraline 75mg, 12g Healing Stones, 2024
2: Brooch: Corsage Belladonna. Sertraline 30mg, Amethyst 50mg, 2023
3: Pendant: Diazepam 40 mg, tigers eye 9g, carnelian 2g, rose quartz 5 g, 2024
4: Brooch: Corsage Poppy, Unakite 60mg, 2020

📸 by Luna Perri

Painting faculty Carlos Castro Arias worked in collaboration with Alana Dillette, Assistant Professor at the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, to complete a mural with his Painting II class. Their goal was to highlight the values of diversity and inclusion at the School.

"When people are kind to you, you are able to perform at your peak."

We are so proud of Kennii Ekundayo, a recent MALAS graduate student, who has been accepted into Stanford University's Art History Ph.D. program!

In her time at SDSU, Kennii was an advisee of Gillian Sneed and focused on Art History, with her master's thesis research showing a comparative analysis of how Brazilian and Nigerian artists are shining light on climate change and flooding.

Read the full article: https://www.sdsu.edu/news/2024/05/sdsu-international-student-secures-coveted-spot-in-stanfords-art-history-doctoral-program

Photos: 1) Kennii Ekundayo attends one of Bill Nericcio’s classes. 2) Kennii Ekundayo talks with Bruce Onobrakpeya at the University Art Gallery opening in March 2022.

Opening May 25th! "Material Witness" is an exhibition curated by Kathryn Hall Asaro and SDSU Faculty Adam Manley and Kerianne Quick. The exhibition is a 2024 World Design Capital participant and includes work by SDSU alumni and faculty.

Material Witness
May 25 – August 17, 2024
City Gallery
AH314
Arts & Humanities Building
San Diego City College
1508 C Street
San Diego, California 92101

Opening Reception
Saturday, May 25, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

"Material Witness" showcases four borderlands artists who experiment with environmental factors, such as light and water to document their surroundings using craft processes.

Artists:
Luciano Pimienta
Leslie Shershow
Brandon Secrest
Hiromi Takizawa

The exhibition is supported in part by Craft Desert and Allied Craftsmen of San Diego.

https://craftdesert.org/material-witness/



Images: Leslie Shershow, Brandon Secrest, Luciano Pimienta, Hiromi Takizawa

Faculty emeritus Wendy Maruyama will have a solo exhibition at the Fresno Art Museum later this summer. The opening reception will be on July 26, 2024.

The Fresno Art Museum’s auxiliary member group, The Council of 100, announced American sculptor Wendy Maruyama as their Distinguished Woman Artist for 2024. She is the 34th artist to be given this annual award. Based in San Diego, California, Maruyama is recognized nationally and internationally for her work in wood furniture and wildlife portraits, and for her social commentary. Her solo exhibition at the Fresno Art Museum opens in July 2024 and is an overview of her work over the years. Curated by Michele Ellis Pracy, Fresno Art Museum Executive Director and Chief Curator, this exhibition of Maruyama’s work will be presented in the Vestibule, Fig Garden, Duncan, and Hallowell Galleries from July 2024 through January 2025.

https://www.fresnoartmuseum.org/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibits1/

Mary Cale Wilson is one of AMOCA's 2024-2025 Artists in Residence! 🎉 She started her residency in April and will be working through August 2024.

Mary Cale Wilson‘s sculptures, ceramics, and paintings explore themes of visual culture, memory, and home. She holds Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Ceramics and Art Education from the University of Georgia and an MFA in Ceramics from San Diego State University. Wilson has participated in prestigious residencies, including the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, where she was a Windgate Scholar, and a winter residency at Penland School of Craft. In recognition of her work, she was named a Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist in 2019. Wilson’s work has been showcased extensively, with exhibitions at venues such as the Clay Studio of Philadelphia, The American Museum of Ceramic Art, and The California Center for the Arts. Notably, her pieces have been featured in the 76th Scripps Ceramics Annual as well as the 2020 and 2023 NCECA Annuals. Mary Cale shares her love of clay as a ceramics instructor at San Diego State University.

To learn more about AMOCA's residency program, visit their website:
https://www.amoca.org/studio1/artist-in-residence/

Congratulations Outstanding Student: Gina Vi Ferguson, School of Art and Design. Click to read: https://bit.ly/3yqPTxW.

Lecturer Diego Robles is working in collaboration with the Los Angeles Filmforum to present filmmakers Andres Garza and Francisco Romero for the world premiere of Francisco’s two films, "Filter" and "Self Portrait". The event will be on May 19th in Los Angeles. Tickets are available online! Learn more at lafilmforum.org.

Image from "Progress" by Andres Garza

Congratulations to Marinta Skupin, a recent MFA graduate, who was chosen to exhibit her work in the upcoming Next Gen 2024 exhibition at The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), San Diego.

ICA San Diego's 2024 exhibition of work by newly graduated artists will run from July 13 to September 1, 2024, at ICA San Diego / Central located in San Diego’s famous Balboa Park.

The annual exhibition, juried by a panel of art-world professionals, celebrates emerging artistic voices and highlights the innovative work being produced across the San Diego and Baja California region. Through NextGen, ICA San Diego provides local emerging artists with both exhibition opportunities and professional development, while highlighting the strength of our creative community.

This year’s artists are:

Deanna Barahona, MFA, University of California, San Diego
Santiago Diaz, BFA, University of San Diego
celeste hernández, Centro de la Imagen, Tijuana BC
JAX, MFA, University of California, San Diego
Marinta Skupin, MFA, San Diego State University
Chanell Stone, MFA, University of California, San Diego
Nathan Storey, MFA, University of California, San Diego

https://icasandiego.org/nextgen-2024/

The School of Art and Design would like to congratulate the graduates of the class of 2024!

Check out this video to see the recording of the PSFA commencement ceremony:
https://youtu.be/CdKI8e7le2M

Photo by Scott Hargrove

Chantel Paul, Galleries and Exhibitions Coordinator had an interview with Spotlight on San Diego in April! She talked about the gallery program’s exhibitions, its collaboration with the World Design Capital San Diego/Tijuana 2024, and the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the University Art Gallery.

Listen here: https://cloudcastmedia.us/drew-schlosbergs-spotlight-on-the-community/sdsu-school-of-art-shines-light-on-its-design-gallery-program/

Join Jewelry and Metalwork seniors Hana Foo and Fern Gaspar this Wednesday, May 8th for an exhibition titled “Can You Help Me With My Hair?: How Friendship
Translates Into Craft". The reception will be in the Everett Gee Jackson Gallery from 4-8 p.m.

Fern & Hana will be exhibiting this work, celebrating their friendship developed working alongside each other in the studio, at the SNAG Metalsmith Conference for Adorned Spaces in June.

Poster by Lucas Javidan.

Congratulations to Gina Ferguson and Robin North, outstanding students from the School of Art and Design!

Gina Vi Ferguson was recognized as the School's Outstanding Undergraduate Student. She is an Interior Architecture major and submitted a research report to the International Conference Computer-Human Interaction (CHI) 2024 Student Competition.

Robin North has been selected as the School's first Outstanding Graduate Student. Robin is graduating this year with an MFA in Photography.

This Sunday, May 5! Join Associate Professor of Furniture Design and Woodworking, Adam Manley, in conversation with architect and woodworker, Mira Nakashima, for a discussion on craft's evolving nature and mentorship's role in passing on legacies at the Mingei International Museum. Facilitated by Director of Exhibitions and Chief Curator, Emily Hanna, Mira and Adam will offer insights from their own journeys to shed light on the future of craft.

Registration is required! You can register online at the Mingei's website.
https://mingei.org/events/lecture/crafting-the-future-a-dialogue-on-craft-mentorship-and-legacy-2

Faculty emeritus Susan Merritt will present a talk, "AIGA Symbol Signs Turns 50", at Tijuana Design Week 2024 on May 4.

Tijuana Design Week in association with World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 presents the "World Design Festival", a collaborative space where design between creators and users becomes a reality, in order to create a better world.

The diverse program of Tijuana Design Week 2024 includes an expanded vision of our contemporary times, where design encompasses all dimensions of time to open a space for reflection on the history, identity, and future of the city, the binational region, and the global environment.

Photo: Stephen Simpson World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024

Learn more: https://www.tijuanadesignweek.com/presentaciones

We hope you can check out "Hot Bodies", an exhibition presented by the Ceramics 3 class. The opening reception is TODAY, May 2nd from 4-7 p.m. in the Installation Gallery, (Art North 418C).

The show will be open for viewing May 6 - 8 from 12 to 4 p.m. Check it out!

Join faculty emeritus Susan Merritt from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Desisn Innovation Institute Gallery for In Retrospect: a series of exhibitions.

This exhibition, sponsored by Design Innovation Institute, looks back at the legacy of the nonprofit’s cofounders Susan Merritt and Calvin Woo and their decades-long graphic design careers. Together, Susan and Calvin bridge east and west in appreciation of the diversity that makes up the unique cultural texture that is San Diego.

Design Innovation Institute Gallery
4015 Ibis Street / Suite A
San Diego, California 92103

Open TODAY, Saturday April 27, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

EXHIBITION OPENING—19𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘋𝘚𝘜 𝘈𝘳𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘌𝘹𝘩𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Athenaeum Art Center gallery at Bread & Salt.

▪️Artist Presentations: Thursday, May 9, 2–4 p.m.; free admission

▪️Opening Reception: Saturday, May 11, 5-8 p.m.; free admission

▪️Exhibition on view: May 11–July 26, 2024; free admission

The Athenaeum Art Center will present an exhibition of artwork by graduate and upper-division undergraduate students of the School of Art and Design at San Diego State University. Since 2002, the SDSU Art Council has awarded scholarships to a select number of students who, in addition to the Council's financial support, receive the opportunity to present their artwork at the Athenaeum. This year's recipients are: Wyatt Balderson, Gabrielle Berens, Leonardo Flores, Daisy Garcia, and Yena Kim.

We invite you to artist presentations from our selected students on May 9 at the Athenaeum Art Center in Barrio Logan from 2 to 4 p.m. The opening reception will be on Saturday, May 11 during the Barrio Art Crawl. We hope you can join us in support of our talented students!