Rasmussen Art Gallery Hosts Annual Faculty Show

On February 22, Rasmussen Art Gallery hosted the annual faculty show featuring work by Pacific Union College’s visual arts department. The featured artwork highlights the diverse and creative practices of PUC Visual Arts Chair Brian Kyle and Professors Amy Cronk Gatdula, Cliff Rusch, Jaymie de la Torre, Melissa Henry Pratt, Mike Murtaugh, and Nephtali Marin.

For over 25 years, the faculty art show has been a tradition at the Rasmussen Art Gallery. "The inspiration behind hosting these annual exhibitions is rooted in the belief that practicing what we teach is essential," said Kyle. "The show provides an opportunity for faculty to share their creative work with students, colleagues, and the wider community. It reinforces the value of maintaining an active artistic practice while fostering dialogue and engagement with contemporary art-making processes."

The show changes every year; this year focusing on 3D-printed typography, ceramic sculpture, encaustic painting, analog black and white and color photography, digital photography, mixed media, and filmmaking. With no set theme, faculty can explore their creative and artistic skills while showcasing their department's practices from traditional, experimental, and conceptual work.

For PUC students, these annual faculty shows allow them to see their professors as artists, bringing their classroom lessons to life and on display. "Seeing our work can inspire students, encourage them to experiment, and remind them that we also face similar challenges in our creative journeys," shared Kyle. Outside the student body, the exhibition brings together an artistic community, creating conversation with faculty and guests. These discussions can lead to creative ideas, collaboration, and mentorship.

Kyle is always proud of his colleague's work and in awe of their commitment and originality. "As faculty, we can become so focused on teaching and supporting our students that we don’t always have the time or space to prioritize our own creative pursuits," he shared. "This exhibition functions as a valuable reminder to engage with our own artistic practices—and to share that work with others.”

A few days following the opening reception, Kyle enjoys visiting the gallery again to experience the exhibition in silence without crowds. He admits that some projects filled him with unexpected emotions. Other faculty members shared how the show was wonderful, presenting thought-provoking, visually stimulating expressions, and impeccable craftsmanship work.

"Public exhibitions like this reinforce the importance of the arts within the academic environment," said Kyle. "They highlight that art is not only a field of study but also an evolving discipline that engages with contemporary issues. By presenting diverse forms of artistic expression, the faculty show encourages critical dialogue and invites viewers to explore new perspectives and ideas."

For those who have not visited the gallery, the faculty exhibition will continue until the beginning of spring break.