Galveston College student K.C. Marks gave a brief and insightful presentation into her artwork during the opening reception of her solo exhibition “See Journey: An Accidental Retrospective,” which runs Oct. 3 through Dec. 6 at the GC Art Gallery on the college’s main campus.
Less than a month earlier, Marks won GC’s first-ever student juried exhibition, “The Exhibition of Identity.” The winner of the exhibition was awarded with their own solo exhibition.
“It is always amazing to have other artists see something inspiring in my work, so it definitely feels great on a personal level,” said Marks. “But to see my work in context with all the other artists in the show and how everyone interpreted the theme is awe-inducing. So many different viewpoints, morals and values all coexisting in the same space. Art is wild.”
Marks’ solo exhibit opened up the opportunity for her to display 20 years' worth of her artwork.
“Making art has been a private refuge for me for the last 20 years,” said Marks. “I'm not commercial. I'm not making it to sell. It is passion and compulsion and expression. So, mostly, I make it and store it away. But then when you pull it all out and hand it over to be curated, you see new connections and through lines that you didn't realize were there. It gives you direction on new ideas to pursue.”
Marks is a non-traditional student taking art courses through the college’s Continuing Education.
“I love GC's Art program,” said Marks. “The combination of CTE students, beginning artists and students who are just taking it for a required credit makes for an incredibly diverse set of studio mates. As an experienced artist, I get inspired by the fresh look and unconventional use of materials by the new students. And, if new students want to learn a skill I have, I'm happy to teach. The instructors fuel each individual journey with knowledge, support and encouragement. It is one of my happy places.”
Coming full circle, Marks is excited to have returned to college and is not only thriving in GC’s Art program, but she is thrilled to bring joy to others and herself through her artwork and now her own exhibit.
“The exhibit covers 20 years of creating,” said Marks. “Shifting perspective from youth to middle age, it showcases different styles, priorities and techniques in my journey as an artist and a human.”
For more information about the college’s Art program or GC Art Gallery, email [email protected].
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.