Solano Community College illustration student Bria Sanchez designed a portrait of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, only with the candidates’ faces cut out for others to stick their faces in. This is one of many pieces featured in SCC’s art show “Election.” (Photo courtesy of Rachel Smith, art by Bria Sanchez)

America’s presidential election might be over, but that does not mean it is too early to start looking back on the wild ride throughout 2016 and much of 2015. One might think that with all the commentary and late-night comedy shows, there are no more creative ways to describe one of the more divisive elections in history. Solano Community College students beg to differ, and that is why they have captured this political circus in their art and performance show “Election.”

The show is a collaboaration between several different departments and was art brought forth by lab technician Kathy Kearns and graphic design instructor Rachel Smith, who pitched the idea to her colleagues last year.

“This has been a historic election in many ways,” Smith said. “I wanted to create a visual reference for gallery attendees to learn about the various issues in this election, while giving students a platform to express their own opinions as well.”

Students went wild with their interpretations of the election, with each instructor providing their own take on the election cycle. Sculpture and ceramics instructor Marc Lancet’s students and English and creative writing professor Michael Wyly’s students joined forces to make assemblage cultural pieces. Smith’s graphic design and illustration students created topical illustrations of candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump as well as issues facing the electorate and infographics related to Solano County and California ballot measures. Additionally, Solano’s Drama Club worked on a script with theater instructor– and former Benicia High School drama teacher– Christine Mani on a script for a mock debate, featuring “Punch and Judy”-style puppet renditions of Clinton and Trump. The set and figures for this puppet show were created by theater instructor Darsen Long and theater technician Darcia Tipton, and the production plays on a TV screen in the gallery.

Another notable feature in this show is student Bria Sanchez’s “face in hole” photo op, in which attendees can stick their faces through a particle board illustration of the two presidential candidates skipping through a field of daisies.

“People had a lot of fun with this during our opening,” Smith said.

Smith was impressed with the variety of pieces featured in the show, especially from her own students.

“I really enjoyed seeing the range of work that was created for this show – sculpture, drawing, illustration, collage, etc,” she said. “I don’t think I have a particular favorite, but I will say I was particularly impressed with some of the illustration work that my students created using our new industry-standard Cintiq drawing tablets. There is a lot of talent within our program.”

After such an intense mudslinging race, Smith hopes viewers will be able to find the humor in the last election cycle, especially now that the dust has settled.

“I hope that it makes them think, and that they learn something new – and that they are entertained,” she said. “This has been a stressful election in many ways, and maintaining a sense of humor and irreverence is important in the midst of it all.”

“Election” will be on display through Tuesday, Nov. 15 in Solano Community College’s Dorothy Herger Gallery, located in 1304 of the 1300 building. This show is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Solano Community College is located at 4000 Suisun Valley Road. For more information, contact Smith at Rachel.smith@solano.edu.

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