FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rebecca Alex
(650) 574-6291
alexr@smccd.edu
CSM Brings Art to the Community
Painting Exhibition at Twin Pines Manor House
First semester student Irina Potapov with her master study
San Mateo, California –Through January 31, artwork by College of San Mateo (CSM) students in painting classes on display at Twin Pine Manor House in Belmont. This exhibition, the first for the studio art program, was orchestrated by Rebecca Alex, full-time studio art faculty. The exhibit displays a wide variety of genres, with works from beginning artists to advanced students. It includes everything from still life and landscapes to portraits and large gallery pieces, most of which are available for sale. It is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 to 4 pm; Twin Pines Manor House is located at 10 Twin Pines Lane in Belmont.
According to Alex, “This exhibit is a great opportunity for these talented artists to get some exposure in our community. And it gives the community the chance to discover some of the new talent who live and work in our area! Moreover, it really helps our students move out of the classroom and into the larger world of exhibiting and selling their work. Thanks to Judy King with Belmont Parks and Recreation Department for providing the opportunity.”
First semester student Ashleigh Evans with her mother and her series of portraits that she created of her mother from childhood to adulthood.
“Having the ability to participate in this show validates our expression of how we see the world,” says student Patrice Willig. “When people leave the show, they are changed, maybe in little ways, maybe by the color they see in a shadow that they never saw before, or the beauty that they see in the mundane.”
Alex has been a teacher for 19 years. Her support and enthusiasm buoys her students through a sometimes challenging curriculum and the self-doubts that many new artists experience. She tells her students how she considered herself to be the worst painter in her art school, but she just kept at it, until one day, she realized that she could paint.
“Painting is more of a science than an art” Alex claims. “Once you learn certain principles, anyone can paint. You should see the work produced by some of our first semester students. It’s beautiful!”
Parvin Falahpour, a second semester student, says that “Rebecca makes sure everyone understands and learns the new techniques. In her class in just one semester, you become an artist.”
But Alex doesn’t feel that the focus of her classes is technique. That’s simply a tool to enable her artists to express themselves. “One of the most important things that people learn in my class is how to see. They learn to see colors that they never knew were there before. Just look at the paintings in our exhibit and you will see how enamored the artists are with aspects of the observable world that they never noticed before…a flower, a landscape, a child’s birthday party. They can see and appreciate so much more after taking an art class.”
External image of Twin Pines Manor House
“Rebecca encourages her students to be the best they can be without forcing them into a particular style. And because of that, this show highlights the diversity of artists at CSM,” states Raven Brown. “I was thrilled to be able to invest in a piece by my fellow student whose style I deeply appreciate but cannot dream of producing myself.”
“We are like the growing plants that need water, sunshine and the right environment to flourish. Professor Alex provides us the skills with encouragement and constructive feedback. Under her care, we blossomed,” says student Peggy Dean.
For more information about CSM’s studio art program, visit collegeofsanmateo.edu/2dart
Photo credit: Peggy Dean