The Annual Student Art Show at the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery celebrates the hard work and talent of students in the Cuesta College Fine Arts Program from the past academic year, and this year the exhibition is hosted virtually.

“Most institutions are canceling student exhibitions outright instead of finding creative ways to display the work of our students,” said Emma Saperstein, Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery Coordinator. “I think it is more important than ever to maintain engagement with our students and each other and continue our contributions to a vibrant creative community.”

The awards ceremony and celebration held virtually on April 23 featured a video of students discussing their work and creative practices. The video with artist statements is available by clicking here.

“I’m so grateful that we have the gift of sharing art right now because I think that creating images and narratives relates us to each other in a really personal way, and it’s wonderful that we have the opportunity when we need it the most,” said student artist Sophie Stebbins.

The exhibit features student work in various mediums, including drawing, ceramics, digital art, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Submissions were juried by John Hood, chair of the Allan Hancock College Fine & Performing Arts Department. The Novy Award supports students whose work are not in the student show but who demonstrate excellence in the classroom. These awards are made possible through the Helen Novy Art Fund generously sponsored by Dr. Frederick Novy.

Best In Show

Andrew Olson – Distress

Exhibition Awards

Novy Awards for Classroom Excellence

  • Drawing: Maria de Jesus Alonzo
  • Painting: Edwin Velasquez
  • 2D Design: Emily Piliz
  • Advanced Ceramics: Riley Clemons
  • Beginner Ceramics: Tanja Kehler
  • Sculpture: Justin Venturini
  • 3D Design: Alyssa Guzman
  • Printmaking: Allison Hines
  • Color Theory: Ahn Nguyen
  • Photography: Callie Fisher
  • Digital Photography: Jaye Pruett
  • Graphic Design: Tony Ambrose
  • Art History: Veronica Perez
  • North County: Javan Escobar

For more information on the Cuesta College Fine Arts Department and the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery, please visit the webpage or call (805) 546-3202.