QCC Students’ Art Featured at State House

Three QCC students recently got to visit the State House and see their art hung for display.

Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) welcomed five student artists to the State House from Worcester-area colleges to unveil an art display inspired by landscapes and images of the Greater Worcester area. Students were joined by family and faculty members, including Professor Mary Newman from Quinsigamond Community College and Dr. Paul Cotnoir, Director of Design Programs at Becker College.

Professor Newman said the students are in the Interactive Media program at QCC. They take photography, illustration, animation, video, and publication design courses. After earning an associate's degree, students can transfer to a four-year college and major in anywhere from 40 different majors in design and media. She said the college is starting a game design program in September.

“It was a very exciting opportunity for QCC students to show their work and have a reception, lunch, and tour of the State house with Senator Moore,” Professor Newman said. “Seeing their work on the walls of the State house was a transformative experience for them. I think at that moment they finally realized their potential as an educated artist with a vison.”

In an effort to showcase the unique identity of the Second Worcester District, and to highlight the talent of local student artists, Sen. Moore contacted Worcester-area higher education institutions in February to request student art submissions for display within the foyer of his State House office.

After a review of dozens of submissions, the five finalists included three pieces of art from students enrolled at QCC, one from Becker College and one from Assumption College. Worcester resident Travis Simpkins, a freelance artist, educator, and respected museum professional assisted Sen. Moore with making final selections from the submissions. 

“I am honored to celebrate the spirit of the region by showcasing the talent of local student artists,” said Sen. Moore. “As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, I recognize the importance of assisting students achieve their academic, personal and career goals. I am proud to display this artwork which captures the unique beauty of the Greater Worcester area, and also congratulate all of the students on their achievements.”

Reminisce by Cristian Gramajo Rodriguez of Marlborough

Cristian Gramajo Rodriguez, of Marlborough, said his photo, Reminisce, captures the Worcester Korean Memorial in the foreground, with the well-known Union Station landmark in the background. The sunset and statues looking off into the distance evoke an overall sense of peace and calm. Mr. Rodriguez is pursuing an Interactive Media Design degree from QCC.

Tower In the Night By Stephanie Orlando of Westborough

Stephanie Orlando, of Westborough, is an Applied Arts major, who will be graduating in the spring of 2017. Her photo, Tower in the Night, is a photo of Bancroft Tower, which was built more than 100 years ago in Worcester to honor George Bancroft, who was a historian and statesman. She chose to photograph this structure as a reflection of the City of Worcester’s rich history.

Worcester in Motion by Kevail Cole of Worcester

“My greatest inspiration comes from a French photographer who goes by the name of Serge Ramelli,” said Kevail Cole, an Applied Arts major at QCC whose artwork Worcester in Motion was selected for display. “His alluring use of colors and ability to tell a story in a single frame, with an exquisite and moody tone, are all elements that emanate from his work of art.”

Mr. Cole has a passion for photography and enjoys photographing a range of subjects, including delicate macro photography, dramatic portraits and storytelling street photography.

All of the art is available for viewing in the foyer of room 109B at the State House until the end of June.