A hall outside of Rep. John Bell IV’s offices in Raleigh has become a gallery for Wayne Community College art.
Forty-one prints of works by WCC students and alumni are on display outside of the North Carolina House Majority Leader’s offices in the Legislative Office Building. This is the first installment in a continuous exhibition.
According to WCC Art Instructor Angie Waller, Rep. Bell asked her how he could get some student art for his office and she replied, “Just ask!”
“He came to our community fire department fundraiser and mentioned how talented my art students were,” Waller said. “He agreed with me that we have talent in our own backyard and specifically with the fine arts at WCC. I felt this was an incredible opportunity for both of us – to showcase an institution in the district he represents and my students’ talent.”
Rep. Bell agreed. “I am thrilled to host this fabulous art collection from Wayne Community College in my Legislative office in Raleigh,” he said. “I applaud Angie Waller for her leadership and enthusiasm with these talented individuals.”
The artists whose pieces are hanging there are Julie-Ann Batson, Grace Boros, Dylon Bryson, Gracie Casey, Karina Galindo, Kailauna Grant, Kristen Hardee, Carli Hinson, Tiffany Hill, Joseph Hood, Whitney Joyner, Stephanie Lam, Ceara Miracle, Catherine Moore, Maddie Murphy, Celeste Aguirre Onate, Ana Pantoja, Phoebe Ramirez, Cristina Saldivar, Britney Skylar Sawkiw, Cindy Tamayo, Jose Velazquez, Stacia Weed, Justin West, Sarah Whipple, and Tamaya Williams.
The collection will be in place outside of Room 301F of the Legislative Office Building at 300 N. Salisbury Street in Raleigh into January 2021, when a new set will be installed. Anyone can stop in to see the art during regular business hours but it is best to call 919-715-3017 before visiting.
“Anyone walking down the hall leading to his office will see a very impressive display of work,” Waller said. “I’m elated for my students! My goal is to take them and see if for themselves.”
Having works in a show is a confidence booster for the students, Waller said, and so is selling a piece. Copies of the displayed art can be bought by contacting Waller at arwaller@waynecc.edu.”
“I see the impact on my students when they see someone that they do not know feel that their artwork is worthy of purchase,” Waller said. “It’s a game changer for an artist.”
Proceeds from art sales go to the Foundation of WCC Fine Arts Fund for student scholarships and enrichment activities.
