Lines and patterns come to FC

   The collection began in 1965 when the art department along with Alpha Gamma Sigma requested Roten Galley to conduct a print sale on the campus. Based on the number of sales Roten would donate some of the prints.

   Then seven years later in 1972 the first annual Artist-in-Residence was sponsored, painter Wayne Thiebaud was first to donate to the collection.  

   Upon walking in the first element to grab the eye are all the vibrant colors exploding off the white walls of the gallery. Then slowly the eye focuses to the black and white illustrations pulling the entire collection together as one. 

   "The colors were the first thing I noticed. It took me a moment to realize the other art," said Francesca White, dance major.

   Although Thiebaud's "Penny Machines" was not displayed in this biennial exhibit, James Sheets "Wind Message #2" was amongst the biggest and brightest hanging on the walls. It features colorful long vertical lines of the rainbow but not in the tradition pattern. The angel of the brush strokes gives the illusion the lines are blowing in the wind.

  John Frame's "Self-Portrait – Given Shadow" is a wood carving of man standing with knees half bent next to a gallow. And hanging from it is the Sacred Heart symbolizing the man's disillusionment of modern western spirituality. The simplicity of the raw natural wood allows the message of the piece to ring through and clear. 

   English literature major, Rose Brown this is her first semester back to college after a 30 year break.  She was happy to see all forms of art represented in the collection.

   "I enjoy all forms of art, but scenery prints are my favorite because I can escape to a beautiful place when I look at them," said Brown.

   A good example of scenery works is the Daniel de Plessis piece "Summer Time" which depicts a blissful summer evening with red lilies and tiny green frogs lounging in the brisk air.

   The art collection is prized amongst the school but also with the community of North Orange County. Fullerton is one of the few to have a collection with exceptional examples of art.