by Jessica Robles

The COS Art Gallery is back with a new schedule of exhibitions. Our first one of the Fall 2014 semester is Familia featuring works by COS art faculty member Francisco Alonzo. The show, which features large installations and paintings, will run August 26 through September 19 with an opening reception on Thursday, August 28 from 5-7 p.m. in the COS Art Gallery.

“As an immigrant being exposed to stereo-types and forced into my role in American society, I am interested in exploring the families that arise from the conglomerate population that exists in American society,” says Alonzo. “I invite the viewer to enter the art space with a sincere welcome. I attempt to democratize the art setting by creating work where the viewer is not required to be trained in art in order to take something away from it, being metaphorical or physical.”

El Pichon Del Alma Woodcut, Paint, on Wood Panel.

Alonzo, who was born in Coalcoman, Michoacan, Mexico and raised here in Visalia, graduated from College of the Sequoias in 2008, obtained his BFA in Printmaking from Sonoma State University in 2011, and then obtained his MFA in Print Media from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2013. He is currently living and working in Visalia and teaches at the College of the Sequoias. Alonzo was the recipient of the Mercedes-Benz Emerging Artist of the Year Award in 2013 and his work has been shown all over the country.

Hella Kitties, Mixed Media

The COS Art Gallery is located on the bottom floor of the Kaweah Building in room 214 on the College of Sequoias Visalia Campus. Free parking is available during the night of the reception in parking lots 3 and 7. If you are visiting the gallery during the day, there is 20 minute free parking available in lot 3 on the corner of Meadow Lane and Mooney Blvd. Parking passes can be purchased in lots 3 and right outside lot 7, for further questions regarding parking please contact the COS Art Gallery for details.

Gallery hours are Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For any questions or information regarding the show, you may call the COS Art Gallery at 559-737-4861 or visit the COS website at www.cos.edu. Don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook to receive news on upcoming events.

Jessica Robles was born and raised in Visalia, California. She studied fine art at the College of the Sequoias, then went on to receive her BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and her MFA from Northern Illinois University, both with an emphasis in printmaking. She is now an adjunct art instructor and the Gallery Director of the COS Art Gallery at the College of the Sequoias.