Welcome to the
Spring 2025 Virtual ASI Art Show
Follow the links on the bottom to move between walls. Click on the artwork to learn more about it.
Katherine Kim
Through the Crossfire
Glass
Category: 3D Art
Jesse Swanson
Fish Don’t Know They’re in Water
Copper Chasing and Repoussé
Category: 3D Media
Jessica Cayetano
Los Inmigrantes (Self-Portrait)
Ceramic
Category: 3D Media
Vicky Chiu
Homebody
Stoneware Clay
Category: 3D Media
Lucy Zheng
Ensnared
Clay
Category: 3D Media
Erika Melara
Even Apart We Are Together
Digital
Category: Digital
Clark Meregillano
Mama's Boy
Digital
Category: Digital
Daniela Navarro
Untitled
Photography
Category: Digital
Xareni Merino Rita
Raíces Que Nos Sostienen
(Roots That Hold Us)
Digital Art
Category: Digital
Destenie Sanchez
Mother Nature and Father Time
Digital
Category: Digital
Keang Zheng Taing
Emmanuel
Acrylic
Category: Traditional
Lexy Linn
Hold On Tight
Ink and Col-Erase Colored Pencil
Category: Traditional
Blake Amis
Mother & Son
Oil
Category: Traditional
Anne Reisig
Octopus Garden
Acrylic
Category: Traditional
Alina Chupikova
Lavender fields dream
Acrylic on Canvas
Category: Traditional
Amber Martinez
Family
Photography
Category: Traditional
Jasmine Hoang
A Tiger's Stroll
Watercolor and Pen
Category: Traditional
Alexis Hisgen
Cat and Fish
Oil
Category: Traditional
Amelia Ollivares
Couple On The Beach
Acrylic on Canvas
Category: Traditional
Samantha Chavez
Echos of Time
Metallic Gel Pens & Photographs
Category: Traditional
Ana Jimenez
Don Zacarias y Su Nieto
Oil
Category: Traditional
Amaya Perez
Haven
Graphite
Category: Traditional
Jouly Youssef
Together in Stillness
Oil on Canvas
Category: Traditional
Parker Heider
Would You Like To Go Back? [Yes]
Oil on Canvas
Category: Traditional
Maria Bernardino
This Imagined Memory Of You
Oil
Category: Traditional
Itzel Martinez
Little Memory
Oil Pastels
Category: Traditional
Sidney Solorio
The Favorite
Charcoal and Conte on Paper
Category: Traditional
Jacob Carter
Faucet
Graphite
Category: Traditional
Izabela Mancera
Nanay
Watercolor and Color Pencils
Category: Traditional
Isaiah Reyes
Movie Night
Colored Pencil
Category: Traditional
Vanessa Lopez
Eepy NIght
Oil Pastels and Color Pencils
Category: Traditional
Daniel Gaddas
Fatherhood
Oil on Canvas
Category: Traditional
Kasandra Miranda-Verdin
A Swan Family
Colored Pencil
Category: Traditional
Maya Aragon
Grandma Olivia Tokiyeda
Colored Pencil on Paper
Category: Traditional
Edith Castro
La Raza
Paint, Newspaper, Mod Podge,
and Marker
Category: Traditional
Camila Torres-Padilla
Muse
Watercolor
Category: Traditional
Paulo Flores-Arvizu
Family Time Together
Graphite on Paper
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
This artwork depicts a gun shooting an apple, with intricately cut glass shards scattered around the scene. The sharp, dangerous edges of the glass evoke the violence and destruction caused by gun violence in America, while the apple symbolizes the innocence lost, representing children, teachers, families, and all victims of senseless shootings. The piece conveys a haunting message about the indiscriminate nature of gun violence and the deep, lasting wounds it leaves on society.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I find little interest in portraying myself in my works; instead, I enjoy casting others as the protagonists of my narratives. Through their expressions and actions, my aim is to craft a tableau that captivates, drawing in an audience into narratives that have been unexplored. I would like to explore themes of hope, resilience, and the human spirit's enduring quest for meaning. Imagination knows no bounds, and every panel is a portal to new adventures. Through my art, I aim to inspire and motivate viewers to connect with themselves and others on a deeper level.
Katherine Kim
Through the Crossfire
Glass
Category: 3D Art
DESCRIPTION
David Foster Wallace is an author that I admire, and he once gave a commencement speech titled “This is Water”. He starts with a “didactic little parable-ish story” that goes as follows:
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Jesse Swanson (American. 1997–) is a metal artist based in Glendora, California. His works range from small-scale jewelry to large-scale sculptural and ornamental architectural installations. He utilizes his background in welding and construction to explore the marriage of Form and Function as well as offering meditations on the Mathematical and Metaphysical. As of 2024, Swanson is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Jewelry and Metals program at California State University, Fullerton in Fullerton, California, with hopes of going on to receive an MFA, and become a commission artist and professor."
Jesse Swanson
Fish Don’t Know They’re in Water
Copper Chasing and Repoussé
Category: 3D Media
DESCRIPTION
This work depicts the situations that are happening to immigrants right now. The whole face has Mayco's cinnamon underglaze to describe frustration and anger towards mass deportations. Around it is barbed wire that I constructed using 18-gauge galvanized steel wire.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I was born and raised in Anaheim, California. Growing up, my parents always involved me in our Mexican culture and traditions, impacting my art style and subjects. This self-portrait is dedicated to all immigrants. I portrayed myself as being trapped in barbed wire. The barbed wire references the border and all the obstacles they have to face. Many of our loved ones sacrificed their lives to come here and give their children a better life. They are strong, resilient, and hardworking individuals who work day and night to make a living. We do the work that no one wants to do. Now, there are mass deportations, separating families. They fear they will be deported, leaving their family behind.
Jessica Cayetano
Los Inmigrantes (Self-Portrait)
Ceramic
Category: 3D Media
DESCRIPTION
"I have always been a homebody, and my initial intention with this piece was to represent that. However, as I stopped to reflect on why I’m a homebody in the first place, I realized it’s more than just enjoying time at home. When I’m home, I’m never truly alone—my family is always there. Being home means seeing my mom outside tending to her garden or in the kitchen cooking my favorite Chinese dishes for dinner, and my dad alongside her, helping her plant new vegetables and fruits or resting in his favorite chair after a long, exhausting day of work.
Recognizing this, I understood that I truly love being home because home means being with my family. A family is what makes a home, and that will always be a core part of me. That’s why I sculpted myself with my body as a house—representing ""homebody"" in its most literal sense. The face is at rest, the color palette is soft, and bunnies and flowers are painted, all symbolizing peace—because home is where I feel most at peace.
This ceramic piece is a vessel; the inside is hollow, and the head serves as a removable lid. Inside, I placed childhood photos of my family and trinkets that remind me of them, reinforcing my deep connection between home and family.”
ARTIST STATEMENT
"As an illustrator, I create art that brings me joy. I don’t believe every piece needs to carry a deep meaning—sometimes, drawing something simply because it makes me smile is enough. My work often features a simplistic style, pastel palette, and cute characters, all of which reflect what makes me happiest. There’s a childlike essence to my art, and whenever I create, I want it to feel lighthearted and uplifting."
Vicky Chiu
Homebody
Stoneware Clay
Category: 3D Media
DESCRIPTION
Clay vase inspired by images of birds fighting in midair, bodies tangled in the fall. Born of the cyclical nature of anger and the ties that make you.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Lucy Zheng is an illustration student and multi-media artist interested in exploring and deconstructing the mundane as a means for emotional truths. They are an aspiring book cover designer, storyteller, and life drawing enthusiast.
In their free time, you can find Lucy at costume drawing events on Instagram @lucyzhz."
Lucy Zheng
Ensnared
Clay
Category: 3D Media
DESCRIPTION
This piece is a gift I've have made for my grandma on her 80th birthday, it's a picture of all of us and current time. I made this because a lot of us couldn't make it to her 80th birthday due to our circumstances. I migrated from El Salvador to the United States back in 2016, some of my cousins migrated to France for better opportunities. So a lot of us couldn't be there for her so in remembrance for my grandma I made this piece as I connected family. My grandma raised my mother and her sisters by herself because my grandfather died this is the show the family she created, and the unity that all of us have with each other because of that. It's a thank you for my grandma te amo extraño y vas a estar conmigo siempre.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am a Latin artists from El Salvador who migrated to the United States back in 2016, in the time my country was filled with crime and hatred all around people couldn't go to the street, one afternoon I come back from school and I've heard my house has been robbed the worst part it was a gated community. So the robber was able to get an easily even though he was not supposed to, that was a sign for my parents that we had to move, they did all the paperwork and payments to get us to the United States, and here I was able to achieve my dreams to be an artist and use my art as a life career. I faced challenges because of my autism and ADHD having difficulty focusing on my classes or socialization at times but that didn't stop me because I was able to succeed and get accepted in the biggest school with all my hard work.
Erika Melara
Even Apart We Are Together
Digital
Category: Digital
DESCRIPTION
A loving moment between mother, Wilma Meregillano, and son, Clark Meregillano. In this heartfelt scene, little Clark realizes he is well on his way to becoming a "Mama's Boy."
ARTIST STATEMENT
Clark Meregillano, a developer of 2D media, forges inspirational stories within his ar works for people of all ages. Using powerful themes of family, friendship, and love originating from his Filipino background, he strives to motivate children and adults worldwide to acknowledge that each individual inhabits their own personal flaws and, through this, strive to become their best selves.
Clark Meregillano
Mama's Boy
Digital
Category: Digital
DESCRIPTION
"The refrigerator serves as both a daily necessity and a living archive of family history. From black and white photographs of past family members to snapshots of birthdays, celebrations, and gatherings it reminds us of our past and the moments that have shaped us. Layered with time and memory, these images transform the fridge into more than just an everyday tool, it becomes a silent witness to our shared history, preserving not only food but also the essence of family throughout the years."
ARTIST STATEMENT
"My artistic practice explores memory, identity, and connection to space through photography and other media. As the daughter of immigrants, my work is shaped by the experience of existing between two worlds, documenting what is often overlooked: everyday moments, traces of presence, and personal histories that make up our existence.
Through photography, I capture the ephemeral—the imprints of time, spaces in transition, and the contrast between belonging and displacement. Using light, texture, and composition allows me to uncover the emotional weight of objects and environments. My process often involves collecting and reinterpreting images and materials, constructing narratives that invite reflection on memory and permanence."
Daniela Navarro
Untitled
Photography
Category: Digital
DESCRIPTION
"The refrigerator serves as both a daily necessity and a living archive of family history. From black and white photographs of past family members to snapshots of birthdays, celebrations, and gatherings it reminds us of our past and the moments that have shaped us. Layered with time and memory, these images transform the fridge into more than just an everyday tool, it becomes a silent witness to our shared history, preserving not only food but also the essence of family throughout the years."
ARTIST STATEMENT
"My artistic practice explores memory, identity, and connection to space through photography and other media. As the daughter of immigrants, my work is shaped by the experience of existing between two worlds, documenting what is often overlooked: everyday moments, traces of presence, and personal histories that make up our existence.
Through photography, I capture the ephemeral—the imprints of time, spaces in transition, and the contrast between belonging and displacement. Using light, texture, and composition allows me to uncover the emotional weight of objects and environments. My process often involves collecting and reinterpreting images and materials, constructing narratives that invite reflection on memory and permanence."
Destenie Sanchez
Mother Nature and Father Time
Digital
Category: Digital
DESCRIPTION
This family portrait was taken in Sequoia National Park, one of the many wilderness spots my family loves to explore in California. After several tough years, nature has been our escape, offering us a chance to heal and reconnect. Through all the challenges, we’ve stayed strong together, finding peace in moments like this. I dedicate this to my family, who has pushed through the hard times and treasured these unforgettable moments in the wild.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"My name is Xareni Merino, and I am majoring in Computer Science. Before I chose this career, I was on the path to pursuing an artistic profession. Illustration has always been my passion, and I enjoy creating more than anything. This piece was inspired by my family’s trips into nature, where the way light bounces off the greenery always captivates me.
I’ve been practicing digital art for about six years, and while art isn’t my current profession, it’s still something I continue to work on and improve. Despite taking a different career route, I still dream of making art my full-time profession one day. I am grateful for my family’s unwavering support, even though I’ve chosen a different path.
Art remains a vital part of my life, offering me a creative outlet and a way to express myself. This piece reflects the love I have for my family and the strength we share, as well as the peace we find in nature. I’m excited to continue growing as an artist and look forward to where it may take me in the future."
Xareni Merino Rita
Raíces Que Nos Sostienen
(Roots That Hold Us)
Digital Art
Category: Digital
DESCRIPTION
"The acrylic painting of Emmanuel and his cat captures the quiet, intimate bond between a man and his chosen family. Rendered in a monochromatic palette, the piece emphasizes emotion over color, allowing light and shadow to shape their connection. The soft brushstrokes contour Emmanuel’s face, his gentle expression reflecting comfort and trust. His cat nestles close, its fur delicately textured through subtle tonal shifts, conveying warmth and familiarity.
The monochromatic style reinforces the timeless nature of their relationship—family is not defined by blood but by love and companionship. The simplicity of the color scheme strips away distractions, focusing on the unspoken dialogue between them. The closeness of their forms suggests an unbreakable bond, a quiet understanding that requires no words.
Through this piece, the theme of family is redefined. Emmanuel’s cat is not just a pet but a constant presence, a source of comfort and unconditional love. In the soft contrasts and careful composition, the painting tells a story of companionship, proving that family can be found in the smallest, quietest moments."
ARTIST STATEMENT
"I’m Keang Zheng Taing, a Cambodian Chinese artist and computer science major with a minor in art. My work blends structure and creativity, with a strong focus on duochromatic paintings—my signature style.
I’m drawn to duochromatic art because it allows me to emphasize a subject without completely stripping away color. While black and white compositions are often used to create contrast and make something ""pop,"" I find that using two colors provides a more nuanced approach. By focusing on shadow and light with a limited palette, I can create depth, mood, and emphasis while still retaining a sense of vibrancy.
For me, art is about finding balance between structure and spontaneity, contrast and harmony, simplicity and depth. My paintings often explore emotion and form in a way that invites the viewer to see beyond the surface. Through my work, I hope to show that limitations in color don’t mean limitations in expression. Instead, they create a focused and intentional way of storytelling."
Keang Zheng Taing
Emmanuel
Acrylic
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
"Hold On Tight,” captures the essence of family through the journey of a devoted mother opossum carrying her playful, energetic young. Using expressive ink work with delicate pink shading, the piece highlights both the chaos and tenderness of motherhood. The mother’s determined stride contrasts with the lively antics of her babies, who cling to her fur and tail, tumbling over one another in carefree innocence. This artwork celebrates the unbreakable bond between parent and child, showcasing the resilience, patience, and love that define family.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Lexy Linn is a Mexican-American artist based in Fontana, California. Born in 1997 in Upland, she would later live in Rialto, Riverside, and Rancho Cucamonga.
Enrolled into a few art classes by her parents as a child, Lexy naturally gravitated toward art. Her uncle and aunt, both accomplished artists, inspired her creative journey. Overtime, her speciality became her passion for watercolor paints, acrylic paints and mixed media. In addition, her work also takes inspiration from her Mesoamerican heritage, tied in her identity and artistic expression. The loss of her father as a teenager influenced her expression and explored themes of grief, depression, anxiety, and more playful, imaginative ideas in her illustrations.
Currently, Lexy is pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Studio Art at the California University, Fullerton. She has taken a handful of art courses that have filled her requirements in order to graduate. Her favorite medium to work with is watercolors. After completing her degree in Summer 2025, Lexy plans to pursue a career creating illustrations for children's books, freelance art, and inspire others."
Lexy Linn
Hold On Tight
Ink and Col-Erase Colored Pencil
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
The artwork depicts a son in the warm embrace of his mother. It is an expression of the unique and special connection that is formed in the early stages of childhood. The solid form of the child is contrasted by the impressionistic form of the mother. It highlights the eternal presence to motherhood. It implies that within arms of motherhood all is calm.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Hiya! My name is Blake Amis and I am currently enrolled California State University Fullerton as a studio art major. I transferred to CSUF after spending three years at a community college in the Bay Area. Animation has long been my passion and during my time at community college I started pursuing storyboarding. Since then, I have worked to refine artistic skills across a variety of mediums namely drawing, painting, and digital media. Through my work at CSUF, it is my dream to earn my B.F.A. in Entertainment Art & Animation.
Blake Amis
Mother & Son
Oil
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
"Octopus Garden creates an enchanting blend of ocean and sky that leads viewers to explore a realm filled with dynamic color and motion. It features a regal octopus displayed in bold crimson and magenta tones while its tentacles stretch elegantly throughout the canvas. The artwork separates its focus between the depths of the ocean and the sky above while displaying the bustling underwater ecosystem and a breathtaking sunset.
Underwater kelp forests move rhythmically as schools of fish navigate the water currents. Light reflections generate a dreamlike environment where reality merges with imagination without interruption. The golden-hued wave with a curl at its crest mirrors the octopus's fluid movements.
Octopus Garden depicts the deep sea's beauty and power, using a rich combination of warm and cool tones to reveal its mysterious essence. The artwork showcases the natural connection between sea creatures and their environment while encouraging viewers to discover the hidden marvels beneath the ocean surface."
ARTIST STATEMENT
The ocean has always been a source of inspiration for me—its vast, untamed power and the mysterious creatures that dwell beneath the waves fuel my creativity. The octopus stands out to me above all oceanic life because it represents both intelligence and adaptability while embodying the mystery of the unknown. I use my paintings to embody the dynamic essence of the ocean while revealing its concealed marvels through visual representation.
My main medium is acrylic paint because of its intense and vivid color palette and flexible application potential. My artistic process focuses on building immersive scenes of drama and beauty using rich colors and expressive brushstrokes. I employ an intuitive method that enables my paint application to replicate water's natural fluid motion. Through my artwork, I strive to evoke wonder and inquisitiveness in viewers by showing them an extraordinary realm that blends both recognizable elements with elements of fantasy.
Anne Reisig
Octopus Garden
Acrylic
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
This is a landscape of the mountains and lavender fields. I used only acrylic paints.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"This artwork reflects my fantasies about nature. Once, I had a dream about mountains and lavender fields. In my dream, the picture was clear—I was walking among velvet flowers, gazing at the blue sky. The wind from the mountains carried fresh, crisp air.
When I woke up, I started drawing immediately. I skipped breakfast and coffee because I wanted to capture the image as soon as possible. I grabbed my canvas and recreated my dream with acrylic."
Alina Chupikova
Lavender fields dream
Acrylic on Canvas
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
4 film photos of my family
ARTIST STATEMENT
Family is more than just happy moments. It’s about the sad, hard and joyful times.
Amber Martinez
Family
Photography
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
A tiger walking through a jungle as three toucan birds stares down on the tiger. In gray colors.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Hello everyone. My name is Jasmine Hoang. I am a senior year in the major of entertainment animation. I like drawing animals and animating them. When I created this art piece in watercolor. I thought of tigers because they are big cats. They are fearless and brave. Walking through the unfamiliar trails can be scary. And the Tigers love water. So I chose watercolor to work with my artwork. I hope everyone enjoys my artwork.
Jasmine Hoang
A Tiger's Stroll
Watercolor and Pen
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
Surrealistic oil painting of a cat and fish.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My name is Alexis Hisgen and I am an artist based out of Southern California specializing in acrylic and oil painting. I am originally from the Coachella Valley, but currently reside in Orange County. My paintings range from surrealist paintings to portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. I’ve done multiple commissions from different clients, including logos, illustrative design work, portraits, and other paintings. My works have been featured at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center and Las Lagunas Art Gallery.
Alexis Hisgen
Cat and Fish
Oil
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
This painting captures the journey of love and marriage. The image of a couple walking peacefully down a beach seems serene, but there’s a deeper story behind it. Before I took a snapshot of this couple on a beautiful day, they were in the middle of a heated argument. The beach, with all its natural beauty, became a metaphor for the conflict they were experiencing—vast and peaceful on the outside, yet tumultuous and turbulent within. Creating a family isn’t always smooth. It’s not just about romantic walks or perfect moments; it’s about facing struggles and working through them together. After their argument that lasted several minutes, they came to an understanding and continued walking, arm in arm—reminding us that love is built step by step, especially during the hard times. And, when you push through the rough patches, when you make up after the hardest times, the result is something truly beautiful—just like the couple in the painting, walking along the beach, finding their peace once more. Life and love aren’t perfect, but if you stick with it, the journey can become its own kind of beauty.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Hello! I’m Amelia Ollivares, a transfer student from Covina, California. My passion for art has always been deeply connected to nature, particularly capturing serene moments that remind us of the importance of preserving the world around us. Through my paintings, I strive to inspire a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, particularly in moments when it feels most vulnerable. I find inspiration in the quiet landscapes that invite us to pause and reflect.
In addition to traditional painting, I also enjoy creating digital art. Currently, I serve as the Art Director for a small indie Dungeons & Dragons show called Dungeons and Morons, where I get to blend storytelling with visual art. The art of storytelling is something I deeply love, and I aim to create work that resonates emotionally with others.
Ultimately, my goal is to pursue a career where I can continue to combine my love for art, nature, and storytelling to evoke meaningful emotions and inspire others."
Amelia Ollivares
Couple On The Beach
Acrylic on Canvas
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
My artwork juxtaposes families throughout time. A playful, expressive portrait of my brother and me is set against a backdrop of historic family photographs. This contrast represents how siblings learn from each other and their family’s history while forming their own identities. I chose metallic gel pens as my medium to reflect the playfulness of childhood. The stippling technique specifically represents how each dot is small on its own, but together they create a whole image—just like family members, each playing a role in shaping the bigger picture. In contrast, the historic found photographs serve as a foundation, representing the structure and traditions of past generations. Together, these elements highlight the evolution of family—where history and playfulness coexist, shaping future generations.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Samantha is an artist passionate about exploring unique types of art. In this piece, she uses mixed media techniques, such as metallic gel pens and photographs, to create a piece that bridges the past and present. The artwork juxtaposes families throughout time. A playful, expressive portrait of her brother and Samantha is set against a backdrop of historic family photographs. This contrast represents how siblings learn from each other and their family’s history while forming their own identities. Metallic gel pens were set as the medium to reflect the playfulness of childhood. The stippling technique specifically represents how each dot is small on its own, but together they create a whole image—just like family members, each playing a role in shaping the bigger picture. In contrast, the historic found photographs serve as a foundation, representing the structure and traditions of past generations. Together, these elements highlight the evolution of family—where history and playfulness coexist, shaping future generations.
Samantha Chavez
Echos of Time
Metallic Gel Pens & Photographs
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
A young boy, around three years old, is attempting to shine his grandfather's shoe in the patio. His grandfather sits on the stairs patiently; lifting one leg towards his grandson so he can continue to play.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Hello, my name is Ana and I am a first gen college and art student. I originally painted this piece for an assignment for a figure class, but it ended up being an homage to my grandfather, Zacarias, as well. The reference from this scene came from an old photograph I found of my youngest brother and grandfather. I was inspired by the everyday Genre paintings from Millet and Winslow Homer who took time to paint scenery of villagers and hard workers and I wanted to represent that in my own family as well. I changed the colors from the original photograph to have a brighter contrast in order to evoke softer tones and sense of nostalgia. Shoe cleaning was just one of the many jobs my grandfather had had to endure and although he was always a very hard working person; he was also funny and caring. I thought this piece captured that part of his character as he let my youngest brother, Andres, play with his equipment.
Ana Jimenez
Don Zacarias y Su Nieto
Oil
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
This piece depicts the artists sister Haven, behind bars looking into the distance with raw emotion. With a spiral background it shows her emotion displayed as confused. The artist chose to display her in such a way to demonstrate the idea of identity and the confusing mind games that come with finding ones true self.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"My name is Amaya Perez and I am studying Studio Art and photo communications at California State University Fullerton. My most enjoyable works are ones that come from drawing, painting or photography but I enjoy trying out other mediums. I create art mostly for myself in the way that I want to test my limits, on the other hand I create art as gifts of love to family and friends. Color is a focal point in most of my works, depending on the message I want to portray. Aside from traditional drawing & painting I also enjoy mixed media collage/assemblage that makes the viewer question every detail in the piece. My subject matter is usually about someone I love, whether it's portraits or memories from a family member's house for example. Some people that inspire me are my family, fellow classmates, professors such as Frank Ryan and Betsy Lohrer Hall. They inspire me in the way that art doesn't always have to come from a place with intention, but instead seeing where the art can take you. Currently, I am still learning my philosophy and trying to take the pressure off of making “good art” and instead just creating from the heart. I hope that when someone looks at my work they gain a sense of emotion from it and I welcome all feelings and reflections."
Amaya Perez
Haven
Graphite
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
The painting captures a family gathered along the serene shores of Newport Beach on a hazy, overcast day. Using rich oil paints and a subtle monochromatic color palette, I aimed to evoke a sense of mystery and timelessness. The soft, muted tones create an ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere, reminiscent of a fading memory. It’s a moment suspended in time, a memory that radiates the stillness and pure joy of being together, playing and laughing in the simplicity of the present. The gentle blending of light and shadow reflects the quiet connection between family members, conveying not just the scene, but the bond of love and unity that defines those rare, cherished moments spent together. It’s a portrait of family, not just in place, but in feeling, capturing the essence of being truly present with one another
ARTIST STATEMENT
"I’m currently a third-year Business Administration student, but alongside my academic pursuits, I have a deep love for painting, reading, and gardening. Art has always been a part of my life, and I’ve been painting for several years now, constantly exploring and evolving my style. The process of layering, blending, and creating depth in my paintings is both challenging and deeply fulfilling. While there are moments of frustration and self-doubt, especially when a project isn’t going as planned, the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes with completing a piece makes it worthwhile.
My work is deeply inspired by Scripture and my faith. I find incredible joy in connecting the the Bible and physical imagery. For me, painting offers a unique way to deepen my connection with God, allowing me to visually express the spiritual themes and messages that resonate with my soul. Through this, I hope to create works that not only draw me closer to my faith, but also help others experience and feel that same divine connection.
In addition to Scripture, the natural world is a constant source of inspiration. I find peace in the quiet beauty of nature, often sitting still and embracing the world God has so lovingly created for us. This connection to nature and spirituality is at the heart of my art, and it continues to drive me as I grow as both an artist and a person."
Jouly Youssef
Together in Stillness
Oil on Canvas
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
"Inspired by my time playing with my younger brother, this work depicts him and I laughing in a restaurant, and my old bike in front of our childhood home. We were full of imagination, we’d play games together and pretend they came to life—their characters following us wherever we went. Life was less serious, and we spent hours beating levels together. The two scenes are framed by a handheld gaming console, the first piece of technology we were ever given. Unlike the fleeting popularity of the console, my brother has remained a constant in my life and we have stayed the best of friends.
My painting mostly uses warm, nostalgic colors. The contrast between the scenes painted illustrates how vibrant and active our childhood was, and the place that was our stomping ground. The addition of the gaming console as the frame represents how life felt more like a game in which we were challenged and tasked to help each other, being allowed more tries and more time to spend solving puzzles and stomping monsters."
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work reflects a collection of my thoughts and experiences, usually revolving around nostalgia and pop culture that has been influential to my perspective on the world. With often varying color palettes and subjects, my creativity is often multifaceted. This is the only life I’ve got, and art has always been a part of it.
Parker Heider
Would You Like To Go Back? [Yes]
Oil on Canvas
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
"I worked in great detail with solely oil, painting thinly and adding meticulous detail. In the artwork are two figures: myself, and an invisible figure adorning a wedding dress, veil, and bouquet. My idea for this piece was founded under the question: ""Could I imagine what you would look like now?"" I spent my time creating this piece and realizing I didn't want to imagine what you would look like today, because I wouldn't be able to see that. I spent countless hours working through this piece, adding detail after detail, the lights, shadows, texture, color, and I refused to paint your face. This piece is a testament to my love for you and how I wish you were next to me during my biggest achievements, my lowest points, through thick and thin.
I dedicate this piece to my mother, my biggest inspiration. I miss you always"
ARTIST STATEMENT
My works are characterized by their delicate use of color and form to create rendered figures in abstract or irregular scenes. I am interested in placing reality in a state of confusion and abstraction, leaving viewers to understand and engage with feeling of the human experience, as well as the complexities of overwhelming emotion. I want my work to be seen as a reminder of how simply static visual information can create impact.
Maria Bernardino
This Imagined Memory Of You
Oil
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
My artwork is a drawing capturing a cherished memory of my brother and me from our childhood. The vibrant stickers bring back a sense of nostalgia. As kids, we loved decorating everything around us with colorful stickers, especially our bed frames.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My Name is Itzel Martinez, and my art is a heartfelt tribute to the innocence and joy of childhood. This piece captures a cherished memory of my brother and me, a snapshot of simpler times filled with laughter and creativity. The vibrant stickers surrounding the drawing create a deep nostalgia, reminding me of how we used to decorate everything around us, especially our bed frames, with colorful stickers. I chose oil pastels for this piece because they remind me of the texture and feel of crayons, a medium that connects directly to childhood creativity. The softness and blendability of oil pastels allowed me to capture the warmth and emotion of the memory, bringing it to life with vivid colors and expressive lines. Creating this artwork was a journey back in time, a way to reconnect with my younger self's playful spirit and endless imagination. I hope to share that sense of wonder and nostalgia through this piece, inviting others to reflect on their cherished memories. Art can transport us to recognize emotions and memories that have long been forgotten. With this work, I aim to celebrate the beauty of those fleeting moments and the bonds that shape us. I hope it resonates with others, sparking joy and a connection to their past and silly childhood memories.
Itzel Martinez
Little Memory
Oil Pastels
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
My most valued member of the household. A pets loyalty and companionship compare to nothing, nothing aside from family.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Drawing has been a passion of mine for quite some time now and through a lot of if my dog has been a big supporter. From laying or sleeping on me while I work on assignments late through the night to convincing me to take breaks every once in a while and refresh my eyes. Most of my free time is spent with her and I couldn’t ask for a better dog, she is one of my biggest inspirations as of right now.
Sidney Solorio
The Favorite
Charcoal and Conte on Paper
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
This artwork titled “Faucet” was inspired by my very own bathroom. The objective was to capture a reflection or a “picture within a picture.”
ARTIST STATEMENT
This artwork titled “Faucet” was inspired by my very own bathroom. The objective was to capture a reflection or a “picture within a picture.” This particular work has multiple: the mirror reflecting the rear side of the faucet, and the reflections within the faucet itself. I’m not all too familiar with 2D drawing, but a semester in Art 123 with Professor Lawrence Yun, I really grew an appreciation for drawing. It is a medium I plan to grow in and utilize within my career as an artist.
Jacob Carter
Faucet
Graphite
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
Elderly woman on the right with a pink striped shirt, short hair, and golden cross necklace posed and gazing at the viewer with a background of a gardening scene in motion. Palm trees and lush greens surround the working figures in the scene.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Izabela Mancera is a Filipina-American multimedia artist based in Los Angeles. Her work is focused on themes of femininity, motherhood, identity, and love.
""Nanay"" is an exploration of her maternal lineage through memories of the past. Pulling from inspirations of spirituality and motifs of Filipino national identity, ""Nanay"" is the representation of the deep familial and cultural connections that transcend time."
Izabela Mancera
Nanay
Watercolor and Color Pencils
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
This artwork has a family who has made a pillow fort to watch a movie in the living room.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Hello I'm Isaiah, I'm a 5th year senior for Mechanical Engineering. My inspiration for this art gallery came from what I loved to do most with my family. As a kid I loved to make pillow forts sometimes my mom would let me make them just for me relax in them alone, as long as I cleaned and put everything back ofcourse. My favorite time was when everyone would join me in the fort to watch a movie and spend time together. I chose colored pencils because I feel like it gave a nostalgic energy where the piece would be something that would be on fridge because your parents liked it a lot. Thank u for being interested i hope u like my art.
Isaiah Reyes
Movie Night
Colored Pencil
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
Family of cats bundled up together on a stormy night
ARTIST STATEMENT
Hi I'm Vanessa a senior at CSUF. My inspiration for this drawing was based off of my own memories of being scared of storms as a child and children's picture books. I chose oil pastels and colored pencils because I wanted to create a simple cozy feel for the drawing.
Vanessa Lopez
Eepy NIght
Oil Pastels and Color Pencils
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
"The classical minotaur, safe to say in every instance, is depicted as aggressive, violent, and beastly within long-established chronicles, and who is the subject of my work. Here, however, he is a single father, who gently holds his child, laying clumsily and big-eyed in his arms. The father maintains an unbothered gaze, fixed forward, peacefully downward, and out of frame, toward a horizon we cannot see. He exists quietly, assured of his role, his untroubled profile-painted in oils-is framed by creamy clouds, soft blues, and a light tint of sap greens. We watch a quiet moment, undisturbed in this airy pasture, and executed by a figure who we normally think of as incapable of such serenity.
My focus was to alter the predestined portrayals of the minotaur in a way that showcases him as an individual who is capable of intimate moments of love and gentleness, who has humanity. Almost always, the minotaur is demonized in classical narratives, and is destined to be killed or is posed as the antithesis to the hero’s humanity. What if he was truly more than that? Interconnected with this, I also wanted to shine a spotlight on single fatherhood, oftentimes overshadowed and forgotten in the lineup of differing parental situations."
ARTIST STATEMENT
I truly never tire of the classically inspired nudes that richly saturate my body of work. Many people–most I’d say–are uncomfortable, on some level, with the nude, and I work to show this state vulnerably, intimately, naturally, and with a fleshy tenderness unable to be achieved with the clothed figure. My themes derive from my own experiences of yearning, desire, connection, self image and intimacy. Overall, though, I put emphasis and importance on the queer existence and how these themes are experienced by someone who is neither heterosexual nor cisgender. My inspiration comes from all areas of the artistic timeline, contemporary and classical, graphic and painterly. I especially pull heavy inspiration from pre-Modern painters such as Ingres, Boucher, Tiepolo, and Rubens, whose affinity with the natural brush inspires me to mimic those same soft and seamless strokes digitally or with my own oils. The allegorical type of storytelling these artists achieve is also what inspires me to execute my themes through classical archetypes, mythology, and biblically inspired imagery.
Daniel Gaddas
Fatherhood
Oil on Canvas
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
"A swan swims in a lake with two little swans on its back, carrying them through the water."
ARTIST STATEMENT
My name’s Kasandra and I’m an aspiring 2D animator. Although I work digitally for my classwork and professional work, I like to use traditional media for art I create in my free time, like gouache and color pencil.
Kasandra Miranda-Verdin
A Swan Family
Colored Pencil
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
"This piece is a memorial of my Grandma Olivia who passed away last month. I was lucky enough to have spent a lot of my childhood with her. She filled every new day with love, laughs, and magic. Her and my grandpa cultivated my love for art and nature with the beautiful garden they cared for. From persimmon trees and to parakeets, I cherish the memories we made. In her passing, I mourn the joyous woman she was before dementia, and being able to bring her joy after.
For this piece, I decided to use lively colors to emulate the beauty of the life my grandma lived. She is surrounded by the persimmons and parakeets that she so lovingly cared for. The style of the trees are inspired by my Grandpa Ed’s Japanese heritage. With both grandparents being important figures in my life, and now gone, I am reflecting on the beauty in life and the importance of remembering. "
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Maya Aragon born in 2003, is an up and coming traditional artist who has called Southern California home for her entire lifetime.
As a young woman growing up in the twenty-first century, every year that passes by feels like a new war that erupts in her world. Despite it all, she remains hopeful. Aragon’s works often focus on the human figure and how it may be portrayed. Experimentation is a large part of Aragon’s process. She enjoys exploring the bounds of romance, despair, and introspection. Trying materials new to her such as photography, tattooing, and colored pencils is crucial to her career. Oil paint, mixed-media collage, and textiles are most frequently used in her recent works. Aragon has amassed a portfolio of highly realized works with a clear exploration of material and mark-making."
Maya Aragon
Grandma Olivia Tokiyeda
Colored Pencil on Paper
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
As I thought of the theme “family,” i originally thought of my culture which I am Mexican, so i decided to do the Mexican Flag, with drawings of pictures that i’ve taken over the years of my family and I like working in the fields, quinceñera, traditions. I still wanted to keep the colors of the flag (red,white, green.), but with the little pictures still showing of my culture. I also wanted this piece to be based on the Immigration protests that has been occurring because of how it has affected my family, so i used some messages between my drawings as well as newspapers of the news that are going on today.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My name is Edith Castro, soy Chicana, and since I was young I had a thing for drawings and painting which led to also tattooing in my free time, however, i only saw this as a hobby since it is something that kept me distracted from eveything going on when I was little. I am majoring in Theatre to become an actor, but i still love to draw and be creative which doing sets can also be something i could love to do. I haven’t painted since my junior year of highschool, so i was a bit nervous on how my piece was going to come out, but I got inspired by the protests going on which I want to raise awareness on and the theme on family as well was something I always wanted to do a piece on.
Edith Castro
La Raza
Paint, Newspaper, Mod Podge,
and Marker
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
A painter of my muse
ARTIST STATEMENT
Follow my art account @camis_crackers :D
Camila Torres-Padilla
Muse
Watercolor
Category: Traditional
DESCRIPTION
It is a black and white graphite pencil drawing on an 8.5x11 standard piece of paper. The drawing depicts a living room with different seats with the space of each family member occupied by their respective headphones.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Although an International Business major rather than an art major, I enjoy expressing my creativity through art. The shift from a scrutinized environment based on efficiency and systems to one based on intuition and free-form work helps me remain grounded. I am grateful for the opportunity to materialize my vision into art not for a grade or for profit, but for myself and others.
Paulo Flores-Arvizu
Family Time Together
Graphite on Paper
Category: Traditional