Art is as human as humans can get. Art makes us feel and think, ponder, and wonder. That’s why COS is proud to present Darwin’s Finches: works by Eloisa Guanlao. From Tuesday, February 27th to Friday, March 22nd, these wonderful pieces are going to be here for students and staff to see. The exhibit features replicas of actual birds, sewn with fabric. The display is being housed in the exhibit hall located in room 214 of the Kaweah Building on the Visalia campus.
When speaking with Guanlao, I was taken aback by how much events like this mean to her. The inspiration behind her art stems from her time living in Alabama. She would often be immersed in nature and began to fall in love with the locale’s native bird population.
Seeing the assortments of the flying, feathered friends that would join her on her hikes sparked a light. This series of events took Guanlao down her path to creating some beautiful works of art. After doing several gallery shows, the featured artist let me know that she “loves college campuses over any other kind of gallery. I feel I have better conversations with a more diverse range of students about my art.”
Just like Guanlao, COS’ Art Gallery Director Amie Rangel shares similar thoughts. “Venues here on campus are important. They evoke questions and curiosity. This shows that learning does not necessarily happen in a traditional setting,” Rangel says. “Art is experiential and a treasure of a tight-knit community.”
Galleries are not just set up by the artist themself. COS’ own art students get hands-on experience in preparing and dressing actual artists’ work.
Be sure to join the Art Department as they present Darwin’s Finches: works by Eloisa Guanlao.
Do not miss the Opening Reception on Thursday, February 29th from 12 – 2 p.m. Also coming up is an Artist Talk with Guanlao herself on Thursday, March 21st from 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information regarding the upcoming exhibit or wanting to learn more about what is in store for the rest of the semester check out the COS Art Gallery Facebook located at https://www.facebook.com/COSartgallery/
