The Fullerton College Art Department is indeed very proud to be in the possession of a very fine and envied collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and other objets d’art. As I wandered through our collection late last spring, I was immediately struck by the overall beauty of this modest, but precious collection of visual surprises. The Fullerton College Art Collection exemplifies what a college art collection should: education, inspiration, and the ability to move us all.
The Fullerton College Art Collection continues to expand and diversify, and quite easily showcases a body of work both broad in scope and stunning in its beauty. From the poetic Ukiyo-e prints of Japan, to the abstract and non-objective pieces by local and national artists, these works serve as an integral part of the exhibition calendar, as they are periodically exhibited for the community’s viewing pleasure. The collection also includes works by former instructors and students who represent some of the best talent and skill found here at Fullerton College.
A unique feature that sets this collection apart from others is the annual Artist in Residence program. Each visiting artists donates a work of art as part of their residency. Over the last several decades, many prominent and influential figures such as Wayne Thiebaud, Jose Luis Cuevas, Hung Liu, and Thomas Campbell have contributed to the overall growth and enrichment of the collection by donating works that reflect their presence in the world of art.
I would like to conclude by stating that I feel privileged to be a small part of this by writing these words. I have witnessed first-hand the quantum leaps that the Fullerton College Gallery and our collection have taken in recent years under the leadership of the Gallery Director Carol Henke, and Gallery Technician Jim Nickell. In addition, our former Dean of Fine Arts, Bob Jensen, played a significant role in the overall progress and growth that has been made. Our gallery students have also contributed to the organization and exhibitions of the collection. They give us much hope that future generations will also share our passion for art. Lastly, the solid backing of the Art Department must be acknowledged for making this all possible. We are, after all, the guardians of a shared culture.
