Desert Beauty by Shachi Kale MESA, Arizona – Feb. 6, 2019 – Arizona Citizens for the Arts selected Mesa Community College student Shachi Kale (Chandler) as the artist for the 2019 Governor’s Arts Awards. Her work, Desert Beauty, has been chosen as the cover art for their commemorative program and will be featured on this year’s formal invitations and signage.

Kale has been invited to attend both the nominee reception, which will take place February 8 at Park Central, and the annual Governor’s Arts Awards gala on March 7. She will be compensated $100 for rights and reproductions.

Kale said she is excited to be selected and credits MCC for enriching her art skills.

“I'm thrilled and honored that my piece was selected and will be used on their promotional and commemorative materials,” Kale said. “It is wonderful to be recognized for my art and for a piece that celebrates the beauty of the Arizona desert that I have grown to love so much.”

Kale said that MCC instructors have been very influential in her career.

“MCC has been life altering for me, from the moment I took my first class in 2002,” Kale said. “The instructors have all been exceptional. They have taught at the highest standards and helped me find opportunities. In recent years, my instructors Cynthia Peterson, Ted Decker, Brent Bond, Tom Klare, Lindsey Pederson and Jenifer Harris have helped me grow tremendously as an artist.”  

Kale said that the beauty of the Arizona desert inspired the piece of artwork that she submitted. But Kale wasn’t always a fan of the desert landscape.

“When I moved to Arizona in 2001, I initially found the landscape dull and monotonous,” Kale said. “However, gradually over the years I have come to appreciate and love the variety in the natural beauty and the colors textures and patterns that make it so beautiful. This piece was inspired by photographs I have taken on my walks and travels in Arizona. I wanted to dispel the myth that a desert is dull or boring, by showcasing its vibrant color palette and variety. I have painted this using watercolor on paper and I hope to paint more desert beauty as I continue to capture the natural world I encounter here.”

For Kale, MCC has provided more than art instruction.

“I am so grateful to have this community that supports and encourages my growth,” Kale said. “MCC has also helped me develop a community of artists whose friendship and encouragement have been extremely enjoyable!”

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

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in the United States and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online and at its two campuses and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body, including more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries, who enrich campus learning experiences. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

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

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