CSC students’ prints included in publication

The students are Bailey Dean of Highmore, S.D., Noah Fields of Seward, Neb., Amber Harvey of Centennial, Colo., DeShaun Merrill of Hot Springs, S.D., Caleb Nadig of Nisland, S.D., Tyra O’Connor of Ekalaka, Mont., Angelyse Perez of Newcastle, Wyo., Kasiah Sayaloune of Chadron, and Jaidyn Warrior of Bloomfield, Neb.

Organizer of the project, Candace Garlock, said the series of interconnected hexagonal frames symbolizes the bonds between humans and the environment. The project will debut at the Metro Gallery in Reno on Oct. 2. Students at two colleges in Nevada, and individual artists in California, Arizona, and Nevada, also contributed to the volume.

Bentz learned about the project through her affiliation with the Rocky Mountain Printmaking Alliance (RMPA).

“When I saw the prospectus, I contacted Candace and asked if she would consider work from CSC since we are closer to the West than the Midwest. As with many printmakers, Candace embraces the concept of collaboration and agreed,” Bentz said. 

Bentz assigned her printmaking students to create and participate in the event, reusing and reworking components of other prints they had created, using additional media like paint to create a new image just for this exhibition.

In a statement in the book, Garlock said the college workshops at CSC and in Nevada evoke the image of bees congregating in a hive.

“These events transcend mere activities; they provide nurturing space for sharing ideas, stories, and emotions. In such an atmosphere, connections flourish, enabling participants to experience the delightful surprises and insights that often emerge from the blending of diverse perspectives,” Garlock wrote. “The complexity of the honeycomb mirrors the dynamics of a community, where individuals come together, each contributing their unique talents and skills to enhance the collective well-being and growth.”

Perez, who will graduate in December with a degree in Art: Art Studio, submitted a painted hexagon.

Although her work has been published in the Tenth Street Miscellany, this was her first piece included in a major publication.

“I love experimenting with art and pushing the limitations of what I can do. I work with all art forms because I strive to experience new ways to create,” Perez said.

Perez has done some freelance graphic design work, photography, and completed projects in Memorial Hall to support the faculty and staff.

“In the future, I hope to simply continue to connect and build more support for the arts in communities,” she said.

O’Connor, who will graduate from CSC with a degree in Art: Graphic Design in May 2027, said this was her first piece in a major publication, although she has submitted drawings and paintings to magazines and local shows.

She has primarily focused on pencil drawings and acrylic paintings, but has also enjoyed experimenting with other mediums while at CSC.

“Perhaps I am yet to find my favorite medium. I would love to spend more time in charcoal drawing and sculpture,” she said. “After completing this hexagon project, I was inspired by the concept of creating or accumulating many unique parts to create a unified project. It was how I would approach quilting, and I think I would like to play with this idea more in the future,” O’Connor said.