There is the phrase “A picture paints a thousand words”, and in the Parks Student Union building that is definitely true, because that is where the temporarily established “EvCC Alumni Art Exhibit” is happening. The exhibit opened on March 30th and is in the Russell Day Gallery on the first floor. It currently holds sculptures, photographs, paintings, and drawings that have been created by past students who graduated from 1974-2013. “It’s like blasts from the past”, said EvCC student Allen Hall as he walked around and glanced at the varieties of art. “They probably progressed a lot since they were in school, like I am. I’m starting to think it’d be cool to do art.”

Another student by the name of Stephanie Myer commented that, “It’s weird, because some of these students like studied art here, and now they get to show their accomplishments. There are a lot of great pieces, and a lot of different art styles.” The exhibit has been an open opportunity for the public to check out artwork, but on April 2nd people were given an extra treat, because alumni who had their art displayed came for a few hours to take a look around themselves, eat, and chat with others about their past at EvCC and their art. One of the exhibitors included Phyllis Maslin, who was part of the college in 1980 and 1990’s. Maslin, who first went to college believing she would go into the medical field, graduated college with her arts degree and the came back and graduated with photo editing. She has done many art shows and exhibits, which includes the former Benim Gallery in Seattle. Maslin has several paintings currently in the alumni art exhibit, which she said, “I hope people take different views from them. I don’t want there to be a set, ‘this is what the picture is’ idea. I want people to get different representations from them.” She added that, “by people having different looks on what a piece of art means, that starts more discussions.” Art has that affect to where it brings people together to share different viewpoints and wonder what the meaning is of the piece. It brings together the past and present and reminds people the importance of freedom of expression.

The Alumni Exhibit is a great chance to see where a life in art could lead, and show some history of the school. It will run until April 24th and is free of charge and open to anybody. It is open Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 10am-5pm, 10am-7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-2pm on Fridays and closed Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about the gallery go to http://www.everettcc.edu/gallery.