The Middlesex Community College Fall 2024 Student Communication, Art & Design Show showcased the creative talent of MCC students. Pixel & Palette: A Student Art Showing Spectacle featured a diverse range of artwork, including visual design, photography, drawing, illustration, painting, printmaking and mixed media.
“The art show was great,” said Rachell Hiraldo, an MCC visual design student, of Lawrence. “Many beautiful pieces from my fellow classmates were displayed and it was a very enjoyable to see everyone’s creations. This type of event is important for students to feel rewarded and see all their hard work be displayed. It makes you feel a sense of accomplishment and helps one feel motivated to continue creating.”
For the exhibit, Hiraldo presented a self-portrait Drypoint intaglio printmaking piece she created based on her previous travels to South Korea. In addition to the opportunity to showcase her work, her favorite parts about the program include the professors, content, and the college’s welcoming environment.
Rose Prout, an MCC art student, of Lowell, benefits from hands-on experiences, supportive and knowledgeable faculty, access to free art supplies and technologies, and the variety of class options. Calling the program “incredible,” she believes the art shows are an exciting way to grow more comfortable sharing her work with others. During the show, Prout featured two editions of a print and a mask she created.
“The student art shows are helpful in building confidence to display our work and giving us experience in a gallery setting,” Prout said. “It’s important that our hard work be seen by others, since I feel it helps motivate me to create new art. This program has allowed me to explore many new techniques and mediums that I wouldn’t have had easy access to elsewhere.”
Running from December 10 to December 31, 2024, the show took place at the historic Lawrence Heritage State Park. The exhibit highlighted projects reflecting students’ skills and visions, according to Dr. Jennifer Bauer, MCC’s Chair of Communication, Art & Design.
“The MCC Fall Student Communication, Art & Design Show was a wonderful celebration of our students’ creativity, dedication, and artistic growth,” Bauer said. “The reception had a fantastic turnout, and it was inspiring to see so many people come together to support and appreciate our students' work. Their projects demonstrated not only technical skill but also thoughtful storytelling and innovation. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful to Lawrence Heritage State Park for providing a space to showcase their talent to the wider community.”