2023 - ECC art students use their VOICES to create a uniquely personal exhibition

During the spring 2023 semester, four students from Elgin Community College’s art independent study class developed a concept and created individually compelling art installations in the E. Max Von Isser Gallery, located between Building B and Building C at ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus.

Students Anya Alfante, Yttzel Galia Serrato, Julian Garcia, and Josh Selvig were mentored by Amy Brandolino, professor of art history, and Juan Fernandez, director of art and design. Together, these individual exhibitions are called Voices. The young artists are using their voices freely without concern, while the art students are relearning to express themselves and use their voices with creativity and purpose.

“These students set huge goals for themselves,” said Brandolino, “and Juan and I set even higher expectations.”

In addition to the student’s work, ECC’s Early Childhood Lab School created artwork for an exhibition called Artists at Play, which was made during the “Week of the Child” events held in April. This work represents the freedom of expression and creativity within all children. 

“VOICES collectively examines expression throughout a young person’s formative years in education,” said Fernandez. “The four student curators have begun to trust and believe in their own creative expression, just as freely and confidently as the young artists do in Artists at Play.”

The exhibition will be up through September 29, 2023.