Student Spotlight: Jo Van Loo, Fabric Artist

Jo VanLoo is a fabric artist, specifically working in the medium of quilting for eighteen years. Her quilts have been exhibited in national shows, and are currently showing in the Center for Performing Arts Gallery.

From Jo's blog:

Some of my quilts emphasize aesthetics and craft; others meaning and relationships, and others make socio-political statements. Some speak to all three.

Tomb of the Unknown Quilter

Tomb of the Unknown Quilter

I love the inter-mingling passion, storytelling and, tactile nature of fabric arts. Using commercial and hand dyed fabrics I am able to express my feelings using a variety of manipulations and methods. 
Ceiling View. Inspired by Jo's trip to Hagai Sophia in Instabul, 2011.

Ceiling View. Inspired by Jo's trip to Hagai Sophia in Instabul, 2011.

Because I was a teacher for more than thirty years, I love to share my passion for quilting with others through quilting classes. I have taught quilt making in Canada, the United States, Uganda, Haiti, and Nicaragua. Through teaching the art and craft of quilting, I have become a learner of culture, of values, of life. 

Las Cocinaras

Las Cocinaras

View Jo's complete gallery, blog and shop at her website: www.jomamavl.com

Grass Roots Effort: ART 113 Color Installation

As artists, we must engage with our world. For this project students were asked to select a public issue that is important to them; it may be women’s issues, the environment, global warming, health care, a particular disease or disability, the homeless, politics, war. Within their theme, they were asked to make a series of mini "lawn" flags that were then displayed near classroom J141. Their set of 4 flags revolved around the central theme of their choosing.

Installation created by students in Ann Morton's ART 113 Color class. 

Musicians Wanted: The PVCC Community Band | MUP161 #36984

This course is a modern American approach to the American Wind Band tradition.

Our mantra is: Living Music by Living Composers.

This ensemble, while rooted in the past traditions of the Great American Band, is a look forward to its place in the 21st century. The band is going to perform music by living composers sometimes before the ink is even dry! There will also be a mixed media component, ranging from student-driven video content to live dance and visual art being performed with the ensemble.

Our faculty has a wide open approach to guiding our students in whatever direction their imaginations come up with.

PVCC Community Band performances will be an event, an experience. Selections for MUP161 come from some of the most famous living composers of Movie and Wind Band music, such as Michael Giacchino (Lost, Star Trek, Up), Rossano Galante (3:10 to Yuma, Live Free or Die Hard), Robert W. Smith, Eric Whitacre, John Mackey and Dan Bukvich.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR MUP161: COMMUNITY BAND

Student Spotlight: Sonja Torres

Introduction to Art (ARH 100) teaches the student the understanding and enjoyment of art through the study of painting, sculpture, architectural design, photography, and the decorative arts. There is an emphasis on contemporary topics and cultural diversity in the arts. Visual artist Sonja Torres turned her ARH 100 class into an Honors Project. This large scale painting was the visual component of her final presentation. 

"Sonja's inspiration for the piece was the idea of harmony through diversity, nourished by the natural environment. She wanted to show a green utopia where humankind lives in harmony with both nature and each other." - Tomi Johnston, Fine Arts Faculty

Chance Procedures

"In the nature of the use of chance operations is the belief that all answers answer all questions." -John Cage
John Cage (right) with David Tudor at Shiraz Arts Festival 

John Cage (right) with David Tudor at Shiraz Arts Festival 

Chance procedures use accident as the avenue of expression in art-making. In 1952, John Cage played 12 live radio broadcasts simultaneously, resulting in his piece "Imaginary Landscape No 4". Around the same time, Jackson Pollock tacked unstretched canvas to the floor and used sticks, towels and knives to create his well-known abstract paintings.

Working in collaboration is one step toward dismantling artistic autonomy and welcoming accident. Pictured below, students in Adria Pecora's art class use chance procedures to create visual art. 


2014-2015 Battle of the Bands at PVCC

The Music Department and the Commercial Music Program are pleased to announce the thirteenth edition of the Battle of the Bands. Area bands of all genres that write original music are encouraged to apply. Download an application here.  See competition guidelines here. The deadline for submissions is September 24th, 2014.

Application materials can be submitted in person to the Fine & Performing Arts division secretary, located on the first floor of M-East Building, by fax at 602-787-6674, or via e-mail to Dr. Brett Reed.

For additional information about the Battle of the Bands, contact Dr. Brett Reed or by phone at 602-787-6554.

 

SCHEDULE FOR 2014-2015 BATTLE OF THE BANDS

September 24, 2014: Application materials due

October 4, 2014 at 12:00pm: Live Audition Round 1, CPA Outdoor Amphitheater

November - December 2014 (Date/Time TBD): Pre-production meetings with selected bands, including songwriting workshops,
copyright and publishing workshops, band photoshoot, recording studio tour and practice suggestions.

February - April 2015: Recording sessions

May 8, 2015 at 7:30pm: Battle of the Bands Winners Concert at PVCC, Center for the Performing Arts Mainstage Theater