Mar 14, 2019 (50.6)

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Volume 50 Issue 6 March 14, 2019 - April 24, 2019

ommunicator

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Spokane Falls Community College

W E N E H T S I O WH ?

T N E D I S E R P C SFC 6 E G A P S PAGES 6 & 7 NEW

CONTENTS

The Communicator · 03.14.2019 · Madison Pearson

Page 2

NEWS 3 PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

FEATURES 4 FRANCISCO RAMOS 5 SFCC CLUBS 8 STUDY SPOTS 9 INTERNATIONAL TALENT SHOW

PRESIDENT 6 NEW PRESIDENT 7 NEW PRESIDENT, CONT.

ARTS Adviser Lindsey Treffry, Managing Editor Winnie Killingsworth, Editor-in-Chief Madison Pearson and reporter and videographer Nick Jackson from The Communicator staff are seen March 9 at the College Media Association's Spring Conference in New York City holding their second place award in the "Best Newspaper (two-year school)" category. The Communicator would like to thank its readers for their support and motivation that went into receiving this award.

Visit communicatoronline.org

Follow us on Instagram at: @TheFalls_Communicator

Follow us on Twitter at: @SFCCcomm

OUR STAFF

10 JEN FULLER 11 JEN FULLER, CONT. The first issue of The Communicator is free.

Additional copies are 50 cents. Newspaper theft is a form of censorship and removal of copies may result in criminal charges.

Cover design by Madison Pearson Cover photo courtesy of CCS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madison Pearson MANAGING EDITOR Winnie Killingsworth ADVISER Lindsey Treffry Madison Pearson

Winnie Killingsworth

Lindsey Treffry

Logan Lewis

Elijah Rollins

PHOTO EDITOR Logan Lewis WEB EDITOR Elijah Rollins VISUAL EDITOR Nicholas Rollins REPORTER Nick Jackson

Nicholas Rollins

Nick Jackson

Jessica Gutierrez

REPORTER Jessica Gutierrez This could be you!

WANT TO JOIN THE COMMUNICATOR STAFF? Any SFCC student is welcome to join our staff by enrolling in College Newspaper Production I (JOURN 101).

No previous experience is required.

Reporters can be contacted at sfcc.firstname.lastname@gmail.com

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Editor: Madison Pearson sfcc.madison.pearson@gmail.com

News

The Communicator 03.14.2019

How SFCC pursued a new president

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Two nationwide searches later: SFCC’s tactics finally prove successful Madison Pearson and Winnie Killingsworth The Communicator

SFCC’s hunt for a new permanent president was in full swing until the campus found the right fit.

In a December interview with The Communicator, interim president of SFCC, Nancy Fair-Szofran, spoke about the presidential search. Szofran was appointed interim president after the previous president, Darren Pitcher, left office amid allegations of sexual harassment.

“When we did the presidential search last year, it was a failed search,” Szofran said. “I chaired that search. This time, I am not involved with the search at all.”

Szofran voiced her concerns about the search and student’s involvement.

“Students need to attend these forums and fill out the evaluation forms,” Szofran said. “It’s essential.”

SFCC has been led by interim presidents before, like in July 2017 when former president Janet Gullickson resigned and took a job at a college in Virginia.

When the job listing for president was posted, specific traits, characteristics and competencies were listed in hope that the applicants could fill the role accordingly.

This was called the presidential profile and listed traits such as higher education leadership, integrity, communication, wisdom, and many more.

A news release from March 8 revealed that 35 candidates applied for the position of president, eight were brought to Spokane for basic interviews and three of the candidates were allowed open forums, all-day campus visits, and some were interviewed even more.

Starting with Kimberlee Messina on Feb. 20, Mark Smith the following

Logan Lewis | The Communicator Peter Maphumolo in his March 6 open forum. In these forums candidates were asked to speak about themselves personally and also professionally. After an hour, the floor was opened to all atendees for an open Q&A.

day and ending with Peter Maphumulo on March 6, the open forums were held in the Palek Auditorium in building 24 with the purpose to showcase SFCC’s presidential candidates.

In these forums, the candidates were asked to talk about themselves, their personal and professional lives, along with a guided discussion of their backgrounds in education and leadership.

Toward the last hour of the forums, the audience was asked to pose questions and inquire about the candidates.

From the beginning, the conversation was geared toward the subject of morale.

Faculty members voiced their concerns about building up the college’s morale after Pitcher’s resignation but also about trust between the faculty and the new president.

After Pitcher’s resignation in February 2018, the first nationwide search for a new president occured.

The search was deemed “failed” and SFCC postponed the presidential search for a year after having failed to find someone with the right fit for the college.

Chancellor Christine Johnson had turned down two possible candidates then, believing that postponing the search for a year would be beneficial to students and faculty.

The district did not hire a private recruiting firm to help with the process. In 2000, it cost the district $90,000 in order to recruit a new president. This time around, it is estimated that the two nationwide searches cost about $15,000 each, saving the college about $60,000.

On March 8, Messina was announced as the new president of SFCC via news release.

“Dr. Messina has the qualifications, experience, and proven reputation to lead SFCC,” Johnson said.

“She is absolutely committed to the mission of community colleges and to our ability to open the doors to

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new opportunities for people seeking affordable high-quality education in our region.”

With a doctorate in Education Leadership and experience in leadership, administration and education, Messina’s heart is to be at the college and not in the district office.

“My passion is for changing people’s lives through education and providing students with what they need to be on the same playing field,” she said in the release.

Messina will begin at SFCC in June.

“I am honored to be selected as the president of SFCC and am looking forward to communicating the positive momentum and energy of acheiving SFCC’s mission and vision.”

PRESIDENT

Full feature on Messina on pages 6 &7

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Features

Editor: Jessica Gutierrez sfcc.jessica.gutierrez@gmail.com

Ramos brings laughter to campus Fransisco Ramos, bilingual comedian, puts on a show at SFCC Logan Lewis The Communicator Everybody can do stand-up comedy, but not everybody can make an audience laugh and cheer.

On Wednesday, Feb. 27., stand-up comedian Francisco Ramos achieved just that with the attending audience in the SFCC Student Union Building.

“I sent out emails to 500 of you before the show,” Ramos said. “ And about 15 of you showed up!”

Ramos is a bilingual comedian, having performed in both English and Spanish.

Originally from Venezuela, Ramos moved to the United States as a teenager. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a double major in Finance and International Business, he shifted his career to comedy.

Ramos was chosen to be part of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” where he made it to the Top 10 finalists. Ramos has also made multiple television appearances including Maria Bamford’s Netflix show “Lady Dynamite,” Cozi TV’s “Comedy Search,” and the Byron Allen show “First Family,” as well as “Jimmy Kimmel Live”.

Ramos has also made appearances in films such as the 2010 film “Marmaduke” and the 2011 film “Rio.” Ramos even poked fun at his vocal performance in the latter, where he played the character King Marmoset, the only monkey with a speaking role in the film.

Ramos’ humor was a mix of self aware and cultural critique.

Though the audience and venue are different from what he’s used to, Ramos didn’t have too much trouble finding his stride in the show.

When asked if he had any criticism, Ramos did have one.

“The crowd here for example,

Ramos leaning on microphone while leading into his punchline.

like this spread out, that’s always hard,” Ramos said “People don’t laugh when they’re by themselves, people laugh when we become a group.”

The event was hosted by ASG. ASG throws many events, but comedy shows aren’t a common occurrence. The events are advertised in many ways around campus like the senate boards, A-frame signs, handbills, posters and on the SFCC app.

“You always welcome to stop by the ASG office and come to us directly,” said James Urban, comedy and concert programmer for the ASG. “We can let you know what’s going on, what events are coming up, and how to be a part of them as well.”

Photos by Logan Lewis | The Communicator

Ramos midway through a joke, at his comedy event on Feb. 27 in the SUB Rec room.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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Editor: Elijah Rollins sfcc.elijah.rollins@gmail.com

Features

The Communicator 03.14.2019

Different clubs for different students SFCC campus offers 45 clubs and organizations to students of all interests Elijah Rollins The Communicator By joining one of the many clubs and organizations currently being offered to SFCC students, you stand to gain valuable skills, improve your communication skills, and further develop your character.

SFCC is home to roughly 45 clubs and organizations. Some clubs are centered on health and well-being, like the Health & Fitness Club, the Addiction Studies Club and the Wellness Club.

The Wellness Club brings students “anything that touches on health and wellness,” said SFCC and Pullman Wellness Coordinator and Yoga Instructor Sheri Staudinger.Your time going to school should not be a chore, but a time to embrace each learning direction with joy,” said Staudinger, the Wellness Club adviser.

The club learns about health eating and preparing foods on a student’s budget, she added.

We discuss and learn about ways to stay physically healthy and well while attending school.

The students decide on what type of events they want to sponsor to make life a little more simple on a busy schedule,” Staudinger said.

The wellness club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria/VIP room, building 17.

Participating in a club or organization can help you to expand your thinking, all while meeting a diverse population of people.

Gabriel Valenzuela, Spanish Club adviser, said the club meets every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in building 5, room 102.

The level of Spanish is irrelevant,” Valenzuela said about prospective club members. “You can be fluent, have taken a couple of years, or none (nada), but you are welcome to come and practice Spanish. We also watch short films

and enjoy activities that are from Latin America and Spain.”

Instruction related clubs are also available at SFCC. The Photo Arts Club promotes the use of photography and digital media to engage the campus, as well as collaborate and build relationships within the greater community through visual storytelling and outreach opportunities,” club adviser Erik Sohner said.

The Photo Arts Club meets weekly on Tuesdays in the photography building commercial studio, building 11 room 102P. “Our meetings include speakers and artists. We have a lot of fun. Our motto is ‘Shoot it, share it and grow from it!’ Sohner said.

Some of the greatest opportunities for student interaction lies outside the classroom and may be found by joining a club or organization at SFCC. In Japanese Club, for example, Club President Tosha Kristensen said their goal is to explore a unique and complex culture through language study.

We host cooking classes, make crafts, go on field trips, and put on events in collaboration with the local Japanese community,” Kristensen said.

The Japanese Club meets every Friday at 12:45 p.m. in building 5, room 116.

If languages aren’t your forte, there are clubs for students who are more musically inclined.

“The purpose of the Orchestra Club is to support the SFCC orchestra and to foster an appreciation of orchestral music among the members of the club,” Dr. Gerald Krumbholz said.

The Orchestra Club meets every Friday at noon in building 15, room 228.

Commitment to a club or organization, such as the SOTA Club, can give you invaluable opportunities that help prepare you for your career after college.

“Learning what occupational therapy is, changed my life,” said

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director Sunny Anderson said.

Anderson is also the adviser of the closely related SOTA Club.

“Our club really is for students in the OTA program,” Anderson said. “Our mission is to promote our profession of occupational therapy. We meet at varied times between classes (in the OTA classroom). Interested students should contact me via email for details.”

Renée Compton, adviser for the Physical Therapy Club, said their club meets in the Magnuson building, in room 27-353.

This quarter our club meets every other Tuesday but spring quarter we will meet every other Thursday from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. beginning on April 11,” Compton said. “Our club is about food, fun and physical therapy.”

Many educational and recreational resources are available to students by joining a club or organization. Find a club or organization that matches your interests. It’s your college; get involved!

A comprehensive list of clubs and organizations is available on the SFCC website.

Photo by Madison Pearson | The Communicator

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Find the list of current clubs and organizations here: https://bit. ly/2UzqARN

For more information regarding clubs and organizations offered at SFCC, visit the SFCC Director of Student Programs in the Student Union Bldg. 17, room 135 or call 509-533-4197, or call the Student Government office at 509-533-4196.

Can’t find a club that suits you? Start one today! https://bit. ly/2F0MQNS

SFCC’S NEW PRESIDENT Kimberlee Messina receives the ‘Sasquatch Seal of Approval’ from staff and students Madison Pearson The Communicator On Friday, March 8, Kimberlee Messina was announced as SFCC’s new president in a official news release just two days after the final presidential forum.

CCS Chancellor Christine Johnson announced that she had selected Messina as president after conducting two nationwide searches over the past year.

“Spokane Falls Community College is a dynamic college with an outstanding faculty and staff and strong partnerships within the community,” Messina said. “I am honored to be selected as the president of SFCC.” Messina is a passionate supporter of student success and equity. She has served in the community college system for over 27 years and is a self proclaimed “freeway flyer.”

“I want to provide students with what they need to be on the same playing field.” Messina said in her open forum on Feb. 20 on SFCC’s campus.

Messina is a native of Sacramento, California, and is a first-generation college graduate.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a master’s degree in Spanish from CSU Sacramento and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC Davis.

Photo courtesy of CCS

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PRESIDENT Continued on page 7

Editor: Madison Pearson sfcc.madison.pearson@gmail.com

PRESIDENT

Continued from page 6 Before being hired at SFCC, she was the instructional dean of STEM at Santa Rosa Junior College and served as the vice president of instruction and institutional research as well as interim president at Foothill College.

“I believe that this bodes very well with our department,” said Gabriel Valenzuela, lead Spanish instructor at SFCC. “It feels good to have someone who’s had a background in foreign language and knows the value of foreign language teaching.”

Messina has a background in STEM and also the humanities.

“Especially at a time where across the country we hear that there are humanities programs are getting cut back,” Valenzuela said.

“It’s nice to have someone who has a humanities background in office, who can speak to, advocate, and know the value of humanities.”

SFCC English professor Connie

President Scott said it is important for graduates, no matter their degree, to be creative.

“We want to equip our students with the ability to be flexible, think on their feet and think outside of the box,” Scott said.

After two years of searching for a new permanent president, SFCC faculty is relieved to have a solid foundation once again.

Messina even has a personal connection to the Spokane area.

“My husband and I are excited to explore our new city and the beautiful surroundings of Spokane,” Messina said. “This move will bring us closer to our family in Washington.”

In her open forum, Messina talked about her blog “Life Is Better On The Road.” The blog served as a journal for Messina, her husband and their cat, Dr. Picasso, as they took a semester sabbatical in fall 2018 to tour the country, with an emphasis on identifying colleges and communities where they would like to relocate.

“I love to cook,” said Messina at her forum. Her ‘About’ section on the blog elaborates further and describes her as: “Kimberlee Messina, Strategic Planner, Chef and content editor. Kimberlee is taking a semester sabbatical from higher education to get to know the USA, state by state and bite by bite.”

In the news release about Messina’s hiring, Chancellor Christine Johnson touched on why Messina was chosen.

“Dr. Messina has the qualifications, experience, and proven reputation to lead SFCC,” Johnson said.

“She is absolutely committed to the mission of the community colleges and to our abilities to open the doors to new opportunities for people seeking affordable high-quality education in our region.”

And with that, Messina received the Sasquatch seal of approval and will start at SFCC in June.

The Communicator plans to do a full interview with Messina in spring quarter.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Messina’s blog at https://bit. ly/2VS9w9C SFCC’s statement on new hire: https://bit.ly/2u6v5aE Tweet us @SFCCcom with questions for your new president

Photos courtesy of Kimberlee Messina

Left: Messina with her husband Chris on one of their many adventures across the U.S. Above: A photo of Leavenworth, Washington, featured on Messina’s blog, “Life Is Better on the Road.” www.communicatoronline.org

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Features

Editor: Winnie Killingsworth sfcc.winnie.killingsworth@gmail.com

Study spots and tips for finals week

Professors share ways to prepare for finals Winnie Killingsworth The Communicator

Stressed about finals being just around the corner?

As finals approach and assignments are due, there are places besides the library where you can camp out to cram.

Tucked among professors’ offices on the north side of building 24, there are nine designated study areas: 200D, 200F, 200G, 200R and 200P on the second floor and 300D, 300F, 300L and 300N on the third floor.

Almost every building on campus has sitting areas where you can prepare for passing classes.

They might have study spots spread throughout as well. You can go wandering to see what you discover or ask a professor if they have recommendations outside of the library.

Once you have a place to plant yourself, here are some study tips and suggestions from professors on how to be ready for a strong finish to winter quarter.

Jason Nix, a journalism professor, advocates for mindful meditation.

“By focusing the mind to recognize thoughts and not allowing stress or other negative emotions to take over, students can better focus on the task at hand,” he said.

For students interested in meditation but don’t know where to start, Nix recommends using the trial period for the Headspace and Waking Up apps.

A handout provided by biology professor Ruth Kirkpatrick begins with how to be successful in college.

“Being successful requires developing a strategy for learning,” it reads.

The steps highlighted to create

Photos by Madison Pearson | The Communicator A scenic study spot in building 24. This spot features two comfortable chairs, a bookshelf and a window overlooking campus.

a strategy are as follows: Being an active learner Mastering time management Improving note taking skills Completing study guides and reviewing notes If you are interested in getting a copy of the handout, go to www. communicatoronline.org and search ‘study spots’.

Anthropology professor Sarah Martin encouraged multiple ways to process and retain material from class and for tests.

“Remove distractions,” she said. “Put your phone away and find a space to study that allows you to focus on the material.”

Martin also suggests planning time to study, having a focus for each study session, use what’s provided by your professors, talk to professors during office hours and get creative with how to prepare for tests.

Professors are always a resource when seeking tips and suggestions for how to improve your studying skills and places on campus to put them into practice.

Another study location in building 24 featuring chairs and old copies of local newspapers hanging on the walls which is a part of the room featured below.

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Editor: Nicholas Jackson sfcc.nicholas.jackson@gmail.com

Features

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SFCC holds first International Talent Show CCS students from across the world show off their skills on stage Nicholas Jackson The Communicator The first international talent show at SFCC is over, and many of the students with whom you sit in class, came out to show their talent.

From stand-up comedy to piano performances, the show had a variety of acts. The event was coordinated by the International Office on campus.

There was also a raffle at the end of the night with a TV as the big prize.

All of the prizes given away in the raffle were donated for the show.

The enrollment of international students at CCS is the largest that it has ever been, according to Gabriel Alvarez Garcia, member of the International office on campus. As a result, the need for additional scholarship funding is needed.

Those who were performing were rehearsing and attempting to get rid of whatever pre-performance jitters they might have. Off to the right of the stage the two emcees for the show, Nate Ngyuen, and Polina Plitchenko, were rehearsing their opening dialogue. While this was Plitchenko’s first time hosting an event, Ngyuen made it clear that he has done this quite often in the past.

The first performer of the night was Alan Hu, a student at SFCC, who played a cover of the song “Travelling” on the acoustic guitar.

Chau Do was next on the piano and she performed a rendition of Chopin’s “Nocturne No. 9.” The smooth elegance of the piece was evident from the first chord, and by the silence and attentiveness of the crowd, it was well received by the audience.

“I was shaking,” said Chau Do following her performance. She has practiced piano for six years.

Yolanda Xu followed Chau Do’s performance with a crowd pleaser of her own. She played the guitar and sang. From the confidence with which she did so, it was hard to

Photos provided by Minh Anh

believe that she had only been practicing the guitar for about a month or so.

The show was in full swing by the time Joseph Liu, SFCC student, took the stage to perform a cover of G Eazy’s “Good Life.” With the heavy base of the song and a commanding presence he had the full attention of the audience.

“I used to listen to Eminem when my Dad would play him in the car,” Liu said. He also watched a TV show called “Rap China,” He finished his set with a Chinese rap.

A Chinese cultural group from SCC performed a dance that dated back to the Qing dynasty of China.

The name of the dance is the “Misunderstanding of the Kite.” A story about two sisters attempting to gain the affection of the same man, and the things they tried to do to win his heart. The story was told entirely through dance.

There were also some singers who took the stage. An SFCC student who only provided their name as Ethan, sang a chinese song “Queen” about a man giving his all in a relationship and a woman who doesn’t try to reciprocate the efforts.

During his soulful performance, he stepped off the stage and was singing on the same level as the audience.

This closer intimacy was clear in the big applause he received. The other standout song was a duet of “Hello Vietnam.” The song is split between

English lyrics and Vietnamese. The SFCC students Johnny Le, Tracy (Trang Bui), and Charlotte (Ngan), with an SFCC student who only gave his name as Binh playing the accompanying guitar.

The group that won the first SFCC international talent show was The Descendants of the Dragon.

The large group of Vietnamese SFCC students did a dance comprising multiple styles of dance and musical genres. Even though the music cut out multiple times during their performance, it didn’t slow them down.

Rather it seemed more of a unified effort as the dancers all began singing the stopped song with more than a few voices contributed from the audience. “I just loved that moment,” said Minh Anh. “It was emotional.”

The choreography and lead of the group was Minh Anh a student who is just about to graduate from SFCC. The group practiced for three

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weeks, every day after classes.

“The time we practiced together is really a good memory,” said Trang Nguyen, an SFCC student who was also in the performance. She was one of four initial dancers, including Minh Anh, who all wore Ao Dai, a traditional Vietnamese dress.

As the dance transitioned from the classical dancing style of Vietnam into a more modern style, the number of dancers continued to grow until 17 dancers in all were performing.

The International Office managed to raise $406 from the talent show. There was not a single American student or performer in the show. It was a successful event that brought many international students on SFCC campus to show each other their skills and cheer each other on.

A great night with a lot of smiles, and amazing memories for students and attendees to leave with. Also a TV.

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Arts

Editor: Nicholas Rollins sfcc.nicholas.rollins@gmail.com

Illuminating secrets, the art of secrecy Art goes on display in an effort to shine light on issues people face everyday Nicholas Rollins The Communicator SFCC is home to many talented art instructors and student artists who are working hard on exceptional exhibits, some of which are currently being offered on campus for your viewing pleasure.

“We have a really great faculty here at SFCC,” art instructor Tobe Harvey said. “Everyone makes art; a lot of art, and we are engaged in the community here. We pretty much have something happening around town every month. It’s nice to see everyone involved with the community here.”

Harvey, who has been an artist for over 25 years, says anything around you can become art.

“I have made a lot of art by going to yard sales and finding the perfect piece to go with another piece and connect them all,” Harvey said. “I loved inventing new ways for those things to go together. I loved putting all those found objects together, and putting them together in an interesting way.”

Although Harvey prefers two-dimensional painting and drawing with different mediums, in the past he has made some three-dimensional artwork pieces.

“I can look at the world and see that anything can be put together in a cool way and that can be art,” Harvey said. “Drawing on paper is my comfort zone. Drawing is something that I’ve always done and is more comfortable for me.”

One of SFCC’s art instructors, “ Bradd Skubinna, has created “incredible installations” using recycled items, Harvey said.

SFCC is currently hosting an installation art exhibit in the fine arts gallery in building 6. Installation art is typically 3D art that is site-specific and designed to transform the

Madison Pearson |The Communicator With the help of artist Jen Fuller, secrets were sent anonymously in a new art installation by students here at SFCC.

perception of a space in which it is displayed.

Students are encouraged to attend “The Things I Could Not Say” installation exhibit. This exhibit focuses on secrets and is a collaboration between Portland glass artist/ installation artist Jen Fuller and SFCC art students Candice Brennan, Johannah Cole, James Davis Jr, Michelle Estelle, Aylish Morehouse, Alexandra Nickerson, and Madison Tarbox.

Secrets will be exposed in the “The Things I Could Not Say” interactive exhibition. This exhibition strives to unify our sense of humanity and prove that we aren’t really alone or so different.

“I became an artist because I was trying to find a visual way to describe different aspects of the human condition, and language wasn’t serving me well at the time,” Fuller said.

“When I found glass as a medium I was suddenly able to mimic the fragility, transparency, and inner light of people and various emotions.”

Fuller was an apprentice under two artists: a glass artist in Canada by the name of Warren Carther and Portland Metal artist Steve Tilden.

“For the most part, I’m self taught,” Fuller said, “but as I’ve started mastering my medium I find myself in teaching positions and I end up learning a lot from the students and other instructors I work with, as well.”

In interactive art, spectators interact with the art by walking around or among the artwork, or are asked to participate in some way.

Here at SFCC, secrets (or topics that are hard to discuss) were solicited in an anonymous format. These secrets will be illuminated in a light immersive, 3D display.

“I love installation art,” Fuller said. “I think the combination of materials I’m using (glass, steel, and light) is an unusual and highly contrasted pairing. Also the fact that most of my work is a sight specific reaction, and made conceptually specific for the place in which it is

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shown makes it particularly unique.”

Fuller uses many recycled or repurposed materials in her artwork.

“I obtain my materials largely from reclaimed sources like the landfill or people who have large piles of old storm windows laying around,” Fuller said. “Sometimes I buy fused compatible glass for color, but very rarely. I’m interested in materials that have history, but also glass is extraordinarily expensive to work with, so I made a name for myself accidentally by using found glass as a way to get around cost limitations so I could work large scale.”

Fuller said making a living as an artist is not for the faint of heart.

“It’s possible to make a life and a living being a creative, but it takes a serious amount of grit and tenacity, as well as innovation and motivation,” Fuller said.

SECRETS

Continued on page 11

Editor: Nicholas Rollins sfcc.nicholas.rollins@gmail.com

Arts

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‘Things I Could Not Say’ installation

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SECRETS

Continued from page 10 Fuller said to use a support network if you plan to open your own business.

“Being successful in this industry is about who you know,” Fuller said, “and how you establish a reputation for your work style and ability to execute your ideas even when they seem impossible.”

Fuller shared some advice for students.

“I always tell students the job isn’t about feeling good, or being comfortable making something,” Fuller said. “The job is about being a problem solver and finding a way to make a vision stick and sticking to your deadlines even if everything is going awry.”

Fuller will participate in an “Artist Talk” on March 14 beginning at 11:30 a.m. The lecture will be held in building 24, room 110 with a reception to follow in building 6.

“I will be hosting a talk and gallery walk through in the art gallery at SFCC,” Fuller said. “I will be discussing secrets, the process involved with making an installation from the things people have a hard time talking about, and I will be talking about the death art I started creating last year, which was the base concept that started this installation for myself.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Photos by Madison Pearson | The Communicator

Students participate in art installations on campus in an effort to show unity for those who are dealing with different hardships.

Location: Fine Arts Gallery (building 6) When: Friday, Mar. 15. Gallery.

Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This exhibit is made possible with support from the SFCC Associated Students and the Sahlin Foundation.

Jen Fuller’s work can be viewed at: https://www.jenfullerstudios.com/ or on Facebook at jenfullerstudios

An anonymous secret submitted by a student, posted in the art gallery on SFCC’s campus. Visitors may shine blacklight flashlights onto the pieces of paper to clearly reveal the secrets written on the paper.

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Editor: Madison Pearson sfcc.madison.pearson@gmail.com