Built in 1971, the El Camino Art Gallery is the source of amazing exhibits that has captivated the minds of students. “Honeybee” is no different.
Starting from Jan. 19 through Feb. 11, nine professional artists showcase their artwork in the school’s gallery.
“We have six shows a year,” Susanna Meiers, curator of the EC Art Gallery, said. “Four of those shows are done by outside professional artists.”
With art ranging from Victorian Iconography to multimedia and beyond, “Honeybee” is dedicated to the problem that has arisen in the insect’s population today around the globe.
With an event so well publicized, it is no wonder why the Honeybee Exhibit could be an interesting topic.
“It varies a lot. Sometimes we have 1,500 students, sometimes we have 700 students,” Meiers said. ” It depends on how many students find this topic interesting.”
Lauren Michele Kasmer, one of the nine professional artists featured in the exhibit, held a lecture at the exhibit called “Bees Are Fuzzy” on Feb. 2 at 1 p.m.
Kasmer said it took her one year to finish her project “UV,” a video documentary showcased in the gallery.
During her event, free food containing bee-related products were served to guests who attended. A professional beekeeper also spoke about her work with the project.
Richard Gonzalez, 19, multimedia production, described the “UV” video as “interesting.” His favorite art piece there was “Queen Bee” by Sarah Perry.
In addition to the artist’s lecture, there was a special reception held on Thursday night, Jan. 28, where bee-related food was also served.
The reception saw one of the exhibit’s largest crowds in its run, attracting a bigger audience not part of the student body.
A lot of guests attended this reception and were instantly drawn to the room where “UV” was shown. As well as the “UV” section being one of the most popular areas for the night, some students also got the chance to try on the dresses hanging on the wall designed by Lauren Michele Kasmer in honeybee-related areas.
While some students came to the exhibit to view the art, others came for their various
“I came to the Gallery for the extra credit in my art class,” Crystian Franco, 18, Nursing, said.
Franco also went on to add that the “Symbiotic Crisis: Southeast” piece by Terry Arena was “cool” to see.
To show support towards the honeybees or to see what can be done to help, students are encouraged to visit the UC Berkeley Bee Lab Website and subscribe to their newsletter.
The Honeybee Exhibit is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 8 p.m., and admission is free for everyone.
EDITOR’S NOTE Feb. 8, 2016 8:56 a.m.: Second staff writer properly credited.
