At the end of each semester, Diablo Valley College students are encouraged to submit one art piece they have completed during the school year and participate in the student art show. This year, the art gallery is privileged to a wide array of beautiful artwork in a myriad of artistic mediums.

“It’s a collection of whatever students like doing. Each student is encouraged to submit one piece,” said DVC art professor and gallery coordinator, Arthur King.

Like a theater for drama, or a field for sports, King feels the gallery acts as the final presentation of all the student’s hard work.

“The gallery helps encourage students to take the first steps to get their art out there, have their work seen, and experience the other end of the artistic process,” said King.

Students are encouraged to provide a label for their artwork, containing their name, the piece’s title, and the artist’s desired price, if the piece is for sale. 

“A few years ago, a student wrote ‘a million billion bucks and a bucket of chicken’ on his artistic label,” jokes King. “His piece ended up being sold for $50.”

Any and all funds generated from student art sales go directly to the student, through King and the gallery. From there, King contacts the artist on behalf of the buyer, and the final decision to sell or not is up to the student artist.

Students artwork is also automatically entered into consideration for several awards, including the President’s award, where, if chosen, the student will be given the option of selling their artwork to DVC to be added to the school’s permanent collection.

There is also a voting box inside the gallery where students are encouraged to vote for their favorite piece of artwork. The winner of the student choice award receives a huge prize pack full of art supplies.

The winners will be announced on April 28 during the awards ceremony and barbecue in the art quad from noon to 1 p.m. which is enthusiastically open to all DVC students and faculty.

The gallery will be open until May 5, Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Observation of these stunning pieces is highly encouraged.