STCC art gallery celebrates Black History Month with unique art exhibition, collaborative workshop
Artist Kahli Hernandez works on the new exhibition at STCC. At left is Sondra Peron, gallery coordinator, with two students, Elsa Ademi and gallery work-study student Brandon Porter.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery at Springfield Technical Community College honors Black History Month with an exciting collaborative art workshop and exhibition led by Springfield artist Kahli Hernandez, also known as "The World Famous Artoonist."
STCC students, including members of the Art Club, joined Hernandez in a hands-on workshop Jan. 29. Together, they created a one-of-a-kind art exhibition titled “The World Famous Artoonist’s ‘Art Heist,’” which will be on display at the Carberry Gallery from Feb. 8 to April 4.
“I thought it would be cool to have aspects of an art gallery and an escape room tied to it,” Hernandez said. “There are puzzles and things like that. It hasn’t been done before. I like to be a little bit risky when it comes to ideas.”
Students work on art at the Carberry Fine Arts gallery at STCC.
During the workshop in the gallery, students created art that will be a part of the exhibit this spring.
“We all gathered here to make some paintings that will be used in the exhibit as a collaborative piece,” said STCC fine arts student Morgan Wright, president of the Art Club. “It’s really a community builder and a fun exercise.”
Wright described her art as “abstract, bright and colorful.”
To celebrate the collaboration, the gallery will host a public reception on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are invited to explore this immersive and imaginative exhibit.
The Art Heist exhibition, a dynamic and interactive experience, blends an escape room with a street-style art gallery. Attendees will encounter puzzles to solve and decipher while navigating through Hernandez's colorful, cartoon-inspired artwork. The goal? To avoid vigilant "security" and successfully “steal” original Artoonist pieces.
Attendees who successfully make it through the escape room can take home an original print made by Hernandez.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in Springfield, Hernandez is known for his vibrant, playful style, which combines bold black lines, graffiti influences and biblical themes. His artistic journey began with a No. 2 pencil and computer paper and has since expanded to mixed media, acrylics, oil and aerosol paints.
Sondra Peron, STCC professor and art gallery coordinator, said she was thrilled to offer a unique experience for students and the community.
STCC student and Art Club president Morgan Wright stands with STCC student Connie Alvarez, also an Art Club member.
“One of the things our students can get out of this is the opportunity to participate in art making,” Peron said. “The artwork is being created in the gallery, and it’s going to be put around the space. Usually, an artist creates in a studio and not in a gallery. This is a unique experience.”
Interim Dean of Liberal and Professional Studies Steven Nelson expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming exhibition. “Art has the power to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations. This collaboration between our talented students and Kahli Hernandez is a wonderful way to celebrate Black History Month while showcasing creativity and innovation. The ‘Art Heist’ exhibition is an exciting example of how the arts can inspire and engage our community by changing the way audiences see and interact with artwork.
The Carberry Gallery and all associated events are free and open to the public. For more information, including gallery hours, visit stcc.io/carberry.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu