On Tuesday, April 28th, MSJC held its annual Student Art Exhibition at the San Jacinto Campus. A whirlwind event in conjunction with the Spring Thing, MSJC’s arts and culture festival, bringing together art disciplines across all three campuses. The Spring Thing was a collaborative event with MSJC Art + Design, Dance, and Performing Arts departments. Featuring numerous live demonstrations, dance showcases, vendors, and over 100 pieces of student-submitted art, the 2026 Spring Thing had the biggest turnout since the advent of the event!
With help from his Mural Painting students this Spring, Professor Chet Glaze dedicated a new mural to the MSJC community at the entrance of the gallery with support from Board Trustee Calvin Smith, Student Trustee Claudia Walukouw, and President Roger Schultz. Inside the gallery were the works of MSJC students across all artistic disciplines. Professor John Knuth and the MSJC Art Club spent weeks prior to the reception collecting and curating the pieces for the student show.
Taking center floor was work from Ceramic, Sculpture, and Design classes. With one display featuring large ceramic hand castings from Sculpture, and another with hyperrealistic ceramic sculptures of shoes.
Cascading down each wall were student pieces from Beginning/Intermediate Drawing, 2D/3D Design, Graphic Design, and Painting I/Painting II. Perhaps one of the most captivating pieces on display was the ‘Wall of 100 Faces’ from Glaze’s Painting II class. A collaborative piece that scaled from floor to ceiling. Ranging in color and form, it highlights the diverse artistry and hands (or… faces) behind the MSJC Art Department.
Outside the gallery was the student art sale. Nestled under a line of canopies were vendors and representatives from various student organizations.
View this post on Instagram
The MSJC Dance Department and MSJC Theatre Department showcased stellar student performances, from cheer, to contemporary dance, to drama!
Reflection
Having walked through the gallery during each exhibition this semester, nothing has felt as breathtaking as the student art exhibition. Being able to speak and connect directly with other artists “behind the brush” brought a sense of community in a discipline that could feel quite isolating at times. To view the work of my fellow peers was a celebration in itself. Attending the reception felt as though there was a piece of artwork made for everyone who stepped foot in the space. I was particularly connected to Allister Aldrete’s “Inner Working” and Cesar Ramos’s “Prosecuted.” Both works reflect queer history and personal identity.
What brought me the most joy was the variety of pieces and individuals featured at this event. The Spring Thing and Student Art Show served as the meeting point for visual and performing arts at MSJC. It’s evident how much care was put into showcasing each discipline and spotlighting the stories behind student work.
The MSJC Student Art Exhibition, Spring Thing, and Art Sale could not have happened without the help of a dedicated group of individuals, including the MSJC Art Club at San Jacinto, Instructional Aid 3, Annie Wold (@plantscratch), Professor’s John Knuth and Chet Glaze, the adjunct art faculty, and MSJC Dance and Performing Arts, as well as the amazing work of MSJC art students. A community as close-knit and passionate as this makes it incredibly honorable to create within these walls.
Curious about more art/performing arts events and exhibitions? Follow the MSJC Arts Department on Instagram:
@msjc_art
@msjcdancedep
@msjctheatre
Featured pieces are below: [images by Ryan Nava]
