Downtown Turlock is alive with creativity as they launched a new CSU Stanislaus State State Student Art Exhibition located at the Stan State Art Space, 226 N. First Street, downtown Turlock. The exhibit runs from Nov. 14, 2024, to Jan. 17, 2025, showcasing a talented collection of student-made paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and many more. The gallery offers a free experience for all ages and is open to the public from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
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Angela Esau’s “Bodies In Motion,” was created with oil and acrylic on canvas (2024).
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Joshua Colon’s photograph titled “Monochrome Nature.” (2024)
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A Celebration of Emerging Talent
The art exhibition provides Stanislaus State’s art students a platform to showcase their work and share their creative voices with the community. Valerie Hill (Art, Senior), spoke about the significance of these events.
“Showing up for your classmates, especially as an art major, supports everybody. It gives them confidence and motivation to keep creating and growing as part of the art community,” Hill said.
While none of her own pieces were on display, Hill expressed admiration for others’ work, with a sculpture near the front window and a painting on one of the gallery walls caught her attention.
Naomi Davis (Studio Art, Junior), is featured in the exhibition with two pieces: “Escaping the 2D” and “Junk Yard Dogs.” Her sculpture, “Escaping the 2D,” made with paper clay, is deeply personal, reflecting her struggles with depression.
“The hands in the piece are grabbing at her, trying to pull her down. It’s titled ‘Escaping the 2D’ because I’ve been drawing on paper for years, and now I’ve stepped into 3D work,” Davis explained.
Davis also shared that creating sculptures opened up a whole new world of possibilities, from cosplay to 3D design.
“This is my first time at a gallery, and it’s really exciting. It definitely makes me want to participate in more shows in the future,” she said.
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Naomi Davis standing next to her piece “Escaping the 2D,” created using paper clay (2024).
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Naomi Davis with her second piece “Junk Yard Dogs,” was created using mixed media (2024).
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An up-close look at Naomi Davis’s “Junk Yard Dogs,” created using mixed media (2024).
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Davis’ second piece, “Junk Yard Dogs,” demonstrates her capabilities and versatility as an artist. Created with mixed media materials, the piece is a true reflection of her artistic abilities and talent. Davis hopes her journey inspires others.
“Just keep trying. I’ve been drawing since I was six. It’s all about persistence and growth,” she said.
Faculty Support and Artistic Growth
Art professor Susan Stevenson, who teaches painting and drawing, and color theory, has attended the different student exhibitions every year since joining the Stan State faculty in 2017.
“It’s exciting to see students take their first steps into the art world. This exhibition allows them to put their work out there and begin their journey as professionals,” Stevenson said.
She shared her enthusiasm towards the creative use of color in Madeleine Guevara’s “Untitled” and the screen prints by other students.
“It’s hard to pick favorites—there are so many strong pieces. I’m proud of them and excited for their futures,” she says proudly.
Stevenson also encouraged the community to support these young artists by attending the exhibit and purchasing artwork.
“When you buy a piece, you’re not only supporting the artist—you’re forming a relationship with them. Living with their art brings a richness to your life that a poster can’t replicate,” Stevenson explained.
Standout Pieces
This year’s exhibition features several exceptional works, including first-place winner Madeleine Guevara’s “Untitled” (Oil Paint on Fabric, Thread and Poem, 2024), which combines visual and literary art forms. Honorable mention went to Analaura Jocol’s “Alebrije de Duque: Mi Amgi de 17 Años” (Styrofoam and Acrylic Paint, 2024), a vibrant tribute to her beloved pet.
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First Place Award Winner Madeleine Huevara with her piece “Untitled.” It was created using oil paint on fabric, thread and a poem (2024).
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Madeleine Guevara’s poem that goes along with her piece.
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Analaura Jocol earned an Honorable Mention for their piece, “Alebrije de Duque: Mi Amgi de 17 Años (Alebrije of Duque: My Friend of 17 Years).” It was created using styrofoam and acrylic paint (2024).
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Angela Esau’s “What You Breathe In,” was created using plaster, acrylic and adhesive (2024).
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Melissa Parga’s ceramic sculpture “Feel Me” (2024).
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Angela Esau’s “What You Breathe In” (Plaster, Acrylic and Adhesive, 2024) is a thought-provoking piece that explores personal and societal issues. Melissa Parga’s “Feel Me” (Ceramic, 2024) encourages hands-on interaction and thoughtful reflection. Guevara, Davis and many others bring together a collection of work that showcases a wide range of experiences and the beauty of different perspectives.
Visit the Exhibit
The Stan State Student Art Exhibition is a must-see for art lovers and community members, as well as anybody else who can appreciate good student-made artwork. The exhibit is a true visual delight, showcasing the incredible talent of these students across various mediums. It’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community. Make sure to catch it before it ends on January 17, 2025.
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An inside look at the Stan State Student Art Exhibition.
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Katelyn Hawthorne’s “Slice,” was created with a polaroid emulsion lift on paper (2024).
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“Shape of You” by Ivy Carvellida. It was created with acrylic on a canvas (2024).
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You can find more information about the exhibition on Stan State’s Art Department Page. You can find the event located at the Stan State Art Space, 226 N. First Street, downtown Turlock. As a reminder, admission is free and on-street parking is available and open to the public.
