The CSUN art department hosted the Faculty Art Gallery on Feb. 1 at the Art and Design Center.

The main gallery was filled with artwork from different backgrounds created by CSUN faculty and alumni. It featured artwork in various forms, such as sculptures, photographs, paintings, etc.

A mixture of CSUN students, families, and alumni wandered the gallery; some viewers asked the artists for information regarding the inspiration of their pieces, and others formed their own interpretations in silence.

“As we continue to experiment and to grow our own questions, we can encourage our students to ask questions and not know the answers,” said Niku Kashef, an art professor.

The environment was welcoming, with every artist open to questions, encouraging the spectators to look beyond what they saw.

Kristin Vanderlip Taylor, associate professor of art education, showcased pieces of hiking trails she explored through the rise of COVID-19. For Taylor, hiking became a way to stay connected with society while remaining isolated through the pandemic. After a while, she considered forming the hiking trails into art and embroidered the paths of trails onto pieces of maps to show that time is endless.

“I am always engaged in trying new things, so I want my students to not be scared to try new things,” Taylor said.

Anna Ryoo, assistant professor of art education, centered her pieces around minority groups and the limited attention they get today. The first piece, “Reaching For and Reaching Out,” was made around a time where Ryoo found herself struggling to understand the world we live in today. The second piece, “Celebration of Buttocks,” was a piece that acted as a cry for help from minority groups.

“Art is a way you can take time and understand what’s happening and make your own interpretation of life,” Ryoo said.

Students who attended the art exhibit felt they were equals with the professors. They were respectful towards the artwork, and asked questions to allow the professors to be inspirations outside of the classroom.

“For students, seeing that their instructors are also working artists is really important, especially for them to see us in action,” said Rollence Patugan, instructor for the studio lighting class.