1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Powerful War Memorial Image Recreated by First Semester Drawing Students

By. Christy Skeen

What began as a final group project for first semester Drawing students turned into an amazing piece of work that is currently on display in the Phoenix College Art Gallery. This powerful charcoal drawing of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. stands more than 6 ft. high and stretches more than 6 ft. wide.

At a first glance, viewers may mistake that the artwork blends evenly on one large piece of canvass. However, at a closer look, it is evident that 15 individual squares containing various images are connected to form the actual design.

Under the direction of instructor, Michael Pucel, 15 students were responsible for creating their own individual square, each one containing its own personality. The unique twist to this project makes it even more magical. As each student worked on his or her piece of this challenging puzzle, they were not allowed to match it up with its corresponding counterparts until the unveiling of the full piece of work.

The final unveiling proved to be extremely captivating.

"I was pleased that beginning students could produce something this successful that had such an impact," said Pucel. "It speaks to the viewer on a lot of levels."

The artwork will be on display for a limited time; however, those responsible for it hope to find it a permanent home where it can be viewed by many.

Those responsible for the project include Jessie Chavez Harris (photographer who originally captured the image), Kris Cain, Ludmila Carmack, Annie Di Thomas Castellanos, Brenda Espinoza, Jocelyn Fox, Francisco Franco, Miguel Hernandez, Pat Hoelle, Alan Olivas, Bessie Pewamo, Michael Phasley, Darwin Quezanda, Michael Thomson and Jerry Washington.

Pucel plans to organize another group project similar to this in his next Art 111 – Drawing I class. The class is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 21. For more information regarding the class, please call (602) 285-7277.

Photo submitted by Cathy Taylor, Art Department.