Some of the most elaborate works of art created by established and up-and-coming artists can be found at the Mesa College Art Gallery from May 5 to 18.

The May exhibit is the last of the semester and the art can be viewed Monday through Wednesady from 11 – 4 p.m. and Thursday from 11 – 8 p.m.

The tag line “Raw & Exposed” was chosen by students in the museum studies’ class and embodies the essence of the work featured during this last exhibit of students’ work this semester.

At this level some of the students are still molding their artistic style, thus the “Raw” motif in the title and the “Exposed” speaks to the art itself.  Art Gallery Director Alessandra Moctezuma said that every artists, regardless of their experiences, exposes himself in his work and gives the viewer a small glimpse into his soul.

This end of semester art show is a “way to feature some of the best works” from the students at Mesa College, said Moctezuma.

The pieces included in the exhibit were chosen in the individual art classes at Mesa College.  In some classes the students voted on whose art would be displayed and in other classes the instructors picked.  Regardless of the selection criteria, as one walks through the exhibit, the feelings and emotions of the artists emanate from each piece.

The museum studies’ class, under the guidance of Moctezuma, has positioned nearly a hundred works of art, in a variety of mediums, in the gallery.  Drawings, paintings and photographs are each placed to complement their neighboring sculptures, ceramics and other artwork.

Lauren Higgins’ “Summer”, a colorful pastel drawing inspired by the haiku “The Summer River”, is positioned around other works of similar style and in that arrangement they are able to bring out the individual beauty of one another.  This colorful art peeks from behind Bill Romero’s “Basement Rock”, a fun and interactive sculpture made from a washing machine. Positioned around less vibrant art the bold purples and interesting motion of the “Basement Rock” could have easily drowned out the other pieces, instead its placement around bright colors and eye-catching shapes allows each piece its place of importance.

An interesting, mock disco ball sculpture lights the various human forms from the life drawing classes.  From mock religious works to politically charged pieces, the various styles of art taught at Mesa College are beautifully represented in this art gallery exhibit.

The opening of the exhibit was celebrated with a reception on May 5, where performer Mike the Poet shared his urban themed spoken work poetry.  Mike the Poet, who hails from Los Angeles, shared his work that included themes of multiculturalism and historical Southern California.

To further showcase the lovely art created by Mesa College artists, their unique and beautiful art, from jewelry to pottery, lined the gallery courtyard and was available for sale during the reception.