THATCHER, Ariz.—Eastern Arizona College’s Art Department invites the public to attend the semi-formal opening of its combined Sophomore Portfolio Show, featuring the work of talented EAC art and graphic design students.
The semi-formal opening of the month-long show is scheduled for Monday, April 16, from 6-8 p.m. It is open to the public and will include light refreshments along with musical entertainment served in the lobby of the college’s Activities Center.
“This is the second straight year EAC’s Art Department has presented a combined exhibition for the public, to showcase and celebrate the quality artwork our students are producing” says EAC’s associate professor of graphic design and art department chair and show coordinator, Jeff Henley.
This year the featured artists and graphic designers are Adrian Delgado, Alexandria Thaler, Anita Myers, Corrie Hawkins, Courtney Rolfson, Deven Isaacs, Hollyann McBride, Kristin Flatt, Malia Whetten, McKay Boxberger, Anthony Whetten, Brianna Watson, DeAnna Sieling, and Tyrell Yazzie.
Adrian Delgado of Thatcher, has loved art his whole life and he plans to take his passion and turn it into a career in graphic design in an urban area. When he is not in school, Delgado enjoys graphic work, visiting family and loves playing video games with his friends around the world.
Alexandria Thaler has had a spark since elementary school when she first picked up a paintbrush, but only honed in on it in her freshman year of high school. She sold her first painting when she was 15. In her spare time, she also enjoys writing, exploring, and taking care of the stray animals around her home.
Anita Myers is working toward becoming a graphic designer. She will be graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in graphic design this May. From there, she plans on moving to Denver, Colorado, to pursue a career in graphic design. When she is not in school, Meyers enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, either outdoors or visiting family all over the Midwest. She likes to volunteer in youth athletics and is currently a volunteer coach for the Morenci High School track team. Myers plans to start her own graphic design business after gaining work experience in the industry.
Corrie Hawkins is working toward a career in art and will be graduating with an AAS in graphic design and an AA in art in May 2019. From there, she plans on transferring to either Northern Arizona University or Arizona State University. When she is not in school, Hawkins enjoys spending time with family, juggling, watching anime and k-dramas, playing video games, listening to k-pop, and reading manga. She hopes to learn Japanese and Korean one day.
Courtney Rolfson has lived in Safford for 20 years. She started creating art as soon as she could hold a pencil. She has always loved the fine arts. In high school she was in choir, dance, and art. Her goal is to gain the experience needed to become a successful artist. In her spare time, Courtney also enjoys hanging out with friends, singing, and playing video games.
Deven Isaacs is working toward becoming a graphic designer and will be graduating with an associate degree in 2019. From there, he plans on working as a graphic designer or art director. When he is not in school, Deven enjoys helping with college programs and helping around the house.
Hollyann McBride is working toward becoming a graphic designer and will be graduating with an associate degree in May 2018. From there, she plans on pursuing a graphic design degree at a university after she takes a year off to save up money. When she is not in school, McBride enjoys cleaning/organizing, volunteering at her church, and reading.
Kristin Flatt was born and raised in Safford and is working toward becoming an illustrator. She will be graduating with an AAS in graphic design and plans on furthering her artistic career within the community. Between commissions and her job at the local theatre, she enjoys a hot bowl of pasta and some cartoons or a round of video games with her pals.
Malia Whetten is working toward becoming a book illustrator and will graduate with an associate of arts degree this May. From there, she plans on going out into the world to see what it has to offer. When she is not in school, Whetten enjoys reading, drawing, listening to music (mostly while drawing), watching YouTube, playing and being with her four cats, and spending time with family.
McKay Boxberger is working toward becoming a cartoonist and graphic designer, he will be graduating with an associate degree this May. From there he plans on attending Dixie State College, in St. George, while he works for Star Sign and Banner. When he is not in school, Boxberger enjoys drawing, hiking, biking, and playing harmonica and piano.
Anthony Whetten, of Safford, is an up-and-coming graphic artist. He will have a degree in graphic design from EAC in a few months. From there he will continue his career and education working toward a master’s degree.
Brianna Watson has lived in the Gila Valley for 14 years. She became seriously interested in art when she was a freshman in high school. During her Senior year she was chosen to have her art in the scholarship assembly program. Watson has grown to love graphic design and plans to continue that path. In her spare time, she also enjoys helping people around her and going to Disneyland anytime she can.
DeAnna Sieling has a passion for photography and will be graduating with a graphic design certificate next semester. From there, she plans on finding a job in the graphic design field while building her photography business on the side. When she is not in school, Sieling enjoys photography, reading, watching TV, and baking.
Tyrell Yazzie, or “Yawzie,” is working toward becoming a graphic designer and wildlife photographer. He will be graduating with an associate degree this May. From there, he plans to continue his education at Arizona State University where he’ll study photography. When he is not in school, Yazzie enjoys skateboarding, saving bees, sleeping and alliteration.
The artwork will be available for viewing during the regular hours of the Activities Center (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from Monday, April 16 through Monday, April 30.
For more information about the show or the EAC art program, contact Stuart Gibson at (928) 428-8469 or at stuart.gibson@eac.edu
For more information about the show or the EAC graphic design program, contact Jeff Henley at (928) 428-8470 or at jeff.henley@eac.edu
