On May 6, 2024, the NewAlliance Foundation’s Gateway program sponsored a unique gallery event showcasing thought-provoking model homes. One was a minimalist glass structure with complementary glass furniture, while another was created with pine cone scales, popsicle stick frameworks and a plethora of distinctive objects. Both highlighted the power of creativity in architecture, striking a chord with architects, design enthusiasts, and curious onlookers.
These seemingly contrasting houses were crafted by Taina Jackson, a Gateway Community College student under the guidance of Peter Bonadies. They are part of the 2024 Student Art Exhibition, curated by Noé Jimenez, which will run until May 13. This exhibition offers not only unique student creativity but also a broad spectrum of subjects, from avant-garde sculptures to traditional paintings.
Jackson’s works are a love-letter to discarded objects.
Exploring creativity at Gateway’s architectural exhibit
Her recent finds include a bird egg and several insects. According to Brad Baker, the Academic Dean of the School of Arts & Humanities at CT State, Jackson’s talent nurtured within the college environment exemplifies the school’s power to foster artistic development.
Indeed, Jackson has proven her remarkable ability in one of her pieces where she gives her scavenged materials a new life, transforming them into tiny figures marching towards her ‘memory diary’. This piece, which symbolizes her unique memories, is a testament to her innovatively imaginative thinking.
In addition to Jackson’s work, another phenomenal piece, a monochromatic painting by Arwen LaPlant, left observers captivated. The image of a solitary, vibrant red bird embedded in a quiet and grey cityscape stirred emotions and invited viewers into its lonely world.
This exhibition also marks the start of an impressive partnership between Gateway and a community-based maker space. This collaboration offers Gateway’s art students access to resources like laser cutters, welders, and more, enriching their learning experience and pushing the boundary of their creative frontier.
Indeed, this shared resources initiative is proving transformative for the students. By providing them with a more engaging platform, they can experiment and innovate without the typical constraints, improving not only the quality of their art but also their growth as artists.
With such collective effort, art education is reaching new heights, fostering an environment that nurtures talent, innovation, and creativity in new and exciting ways.
