Art Gallery at MCC reopens: explores new possibilities for creators

Published Friday, February 18, 2022

Free workshops and exhibitions

MESA, Arizona – February 18, 2022 – Redefining the Creator Economy: A Survey of the Digital Arts runs now through March 4 at the Mesa Community College Art Gallery. The exhibition explores the evolution of several different genres of contemporary art practice including internet art, digital art, augmented realities, glitch art, post-digital art and the role that artificial intelligence plays in creativity.

Visitors to the gallery can view the artwork of students, faculty and guest artists. During the opening reception, Art Gallery Curator Grant Vetter moderated a discussion with established digital artists Lindsay Scoggins, Chris Trueman and Rembrandt Quiballo, who explored the recent surge in popularity of NFTs, non-fungible tokens.

The panelists defined NFTs as unique cryptographic tokens that can’t be replicated. For example, a bitcoin is fungible — trade one for another bitcoin, and you’ll have the same thing. But an NFT gives you something that can’t be copied: ownership of the work. As with physical art collecting, anyone can buy a Monet print, but only one person can own the original.

What about copyright? Vetter said the artist can still retain the copyright and reproduction rights, just like with physical artwork. The trend opens up new opportunities and earning potential for artists today.

Panelist Lindsay Scoggins said one positive aspect of an NFT is the community it creates.

“Previously, it was hard to find other artists doing the same thing, hard to find like-minded people,” said Scoggins, whose work has been exhibited internationally in museums, concert tours, and architectural installations, including the Guggenheim Museum. “Creating a community is such a positive aspect of this.”

As for pitfalls, panelist Chris Trueman spoke about the environmental concerns, as every digital process consumes energy.

“But lots of platforms are environmentally friendly,” said Truman, whose work has been exhibited in national and international exhibitions. “The more it develops, the more accessible it will be to the general public.”

Vetter said discussions such as this allow the Art Gallery to play an important role in introducing students to new ideas and opportunities in the art market today as well as potential pitfalls and drawbacks.

“I think the new team of curators here at MCC is broadening the conversation about all kinds of art practices as well as who we show,” said Vetter, who was hired as curator in October of 2021. “We had an open call for work where everyone who submitted was accepted. We've taken this inclusive approach so that more artists in the Valley will have more opportunities while also inviting a number of artists from Arizona and around the world to be in the show who have been working at the intersection of the digital and the analogue arts for many decades.” In addition to hosting exhibitions, The Gallery at MCC invites current and aspiring artists and creators to gather to learn, explore and share. Upcoming Gallery free events include:

Gallery events and exhibits are free and open to the public 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Visit mesacc.edu/arts for show and workshop details.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

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Publication Date: 
Friday, February 18, 2022