The exhibition presents new paintings and mixed-media sculpture by four alumni art majors from Humboldt State University. The exhibition includes new paintings by Nicholas Bustamante, Lien Truong, and Victoria Wagner and mixed media sculpture by Marina Vendrell. "Honors Alumni: New Works" has been organized and curated by Leslie K. Price and Teresa Stanley who both teach in the Art Department at Humboldt State.

They both explained the exhibition as "art made by four alumni of Humboldt State University. The common thread that unites these four artists is not a stylistic or a conceptual one. They are related simply because all of them, at one time or another, were students in a class offered by the Art Department at Humboldt State University called Honors Painting."

The Fish That Vould Not Swim II, Nicholas Bustamante, 2002, Oil on canvas Honors Painting was developed nearly ten years ago for students who expressed a desire to spend more time developing a portfolio competitive enough to gain admission to graduate school.

It was envisioned as a bridge between the structured world of art classes and the larger art world.

Price and Stanley go on to say, "In many ways, the four artists in this exhibition have achieved what we hope that all students who pass through Honors Painting will achieve. All four have tangible evidence of professional success.

They have all completed their Masters of Fine Arts and are presently enjoying active careers as exhibiting artists and teachers.

Daphne, Marina Vendrell, 2002, Mink, yarn, pullable sound device Equally crucial to their success however are the less tangible qualities that they all share-a dedication and commitment to making art as a way of life and a deep engagement with their work on a critical and intellectual level.

These qualities are perhaps less obvious to the casual observer of their art as they take form in isolation during long and sometimes frustrating hours in the studio.

The reward for such perseverance is found later in work such as theirs that has evolved steadily becoming strong, original and exciting."

A reception for the artists will be held on February 1st from 6-9pm during Eureka Main Street's Arts Alive program.

First Street Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. and is located at 422 First Street, Eureka, CA. Admission is free to all. School groups are encouraged to call ahead to arrange tours. For more information call 707-443-6363.