Dreams explore diversity in Carillon Gallery exhibition
by Mary Barrera, reporter

    The fifth annual Women in New Roles (WIN-R) art show is a celebration of diversity.

    The exhibit of works by WIN-R students, on display in the Carillon Gallery on South Campus, is an eclectic blend of art, crafts and poetry.

    Among the pieces on display are photographs, paintings, sculptures, needlepoint and woodwork, illustrating that art means different things to different people, Treisha Light, coordinator of WIN-R, said.

    Themes for the artwork range from religious to ethnic while styles range from classic to abstract.

    “This year’s theme—When Dreamers Dream—is all about what dreams evoke, what represents the ideal self, and what potential means,” she said.

    Light explained the purpose of the annual exhibit.

    “The art show is one way we introduce WIN-R students to careers in fine arts and performing arts. Students have the opportunity to show their work in a public exhibit at an art gallery,” she said.

    Patti Zimmerman, student art show coordinator and artist, coordinated the exhibit in association with the fine arts department and said that one-third of the artists exhibiting are new this year.

    “The women who exhibit here find it uplifting, encouraging and fulfilling,” she said.

    Zimmerman pointed out that people who put their work in, get something out of it.

    The confidence they get from participating in the show can flow into a job interview or other areas of their lives, Zimmerman said.

    One artist who has been involved with the art show the last five years, Lynda Effertz, has two sculptures on display. This is the first year she has taken art class, and she chose to submit her class projects for the show.

    Linda Pfaff, artist, has been involved in art for fun with a group of friends.

    “It just shows that you can do it,” she said.

    Pfaff said each piece has personal meaning for her and gives her satisfaction in what she has achieved.

    “It gives me a sense of accomplishment to put my stuff out there with the best of them,” she said.

    Angela Joblin is one of the new artists whose work is displayed.
“I probably would not have done something like this if it had not been for the WIN-R class,” she said. “It forces you to come out of your shell. And why not? Everyone is so different.”

    Dr. Ernest L. Thomas, South Campus president, praised the show.
    “I thoroughly enjoyed the array of beautiful art done by very talented women,” he said. “It is a pleasure to witness and experience the range of talent. Each one is a unique reflection of the diversity of the women in the program.”

    Included at the end of the exhibit is a book of artists’ statements. Each page allows the reader to learn what motivates the artists, what inspires them and what they get out of creating art.

    When Dreamers Dream runs through Friday, Nov. 9. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

    For more information on the WIN-R program, contact Light at 817-515-4740 or visit the WIN-R website at www.tccd.net/win-r.