From Quillwork to Video Games: SKC Students Unveil Bold Artistic Journeys with Powerful Student Exhibits

PABLO  — A crowd of about 40 people filled the hallway of the Art Building at Salish Kootenai College on June 4 to listen to presentations, interact with artists, and view art created by 16 artists and designers in the Fine Arts & Digital Design programs. 

First and second-year students in both programs build an exhibit and present their work each spring to fulfill the requirements of the Capstone course. The Capstone exhibition featuring a completed body of original artwork emphasizes creative development, peer critique, and professional growth, culminating in a public art show and celebration held each spring since 2021. 

Fine Arts Department Head Taylor Clough, praised the students for their incredible work. “They put so much love and heart and power into each one of these installations,” Clough said.

The recent art exhibition was more than a display of creative works. It was a compelling exploration of identity, resilience, and personal transformation through artistic expression. The exhibition highlighted not just technical skills but deeply personal narratives. From whimsical cat-themed digital storytelling to vibrant wolf illustrations, each artist brought a unique perspective rooted in cultural pride and individual experience.

Ledger art, paintings, and quillwork intersected with digital design and photography. Video games, documentary-style videos, and comic art were shared, along with powwow regalia designed and worn by artists. The unique aspects of each artist’s background and skills combined to provide an insightful demonstration of their growth throughout their journey at SKC. 

After each artist presented their exhibit, the audience was encouraged to ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of the artist’s vision. Following the presentations, the public was invited to interact with the artists and exhibits. 

Fine Arts Faculty Shannon Depoe highlighted the resilience of the artists and designers. “There was a lot of challenges that they came up with, and boy, they just really worked through them,” she said. “I encourage you to talk with every one of them, because there’s so many stories behind their artwork.”