Making Community: a commemorative CCA experience

When I worked for the First Year Program, we won a gift card prize for our immersive TRON themed display for the annual staff Halloween contest. I used that gift card to buy my first ukulele. It has since become my favorite instrument to play and now I own nine of them! Though I don't play it often anymore, that first ukulele will always hold a special place in my heart. Being recognized for my creativity at CCA opened the door to deeper creativity in my own practice.

If I could offer my perspective, my way of seeing, to this project I would but for now I will stick with the star glasses. For me personally, these are glasses I have worn while writing out my 300 Desires for Fine Arts during visioning work with our Dean Sunny Smith prior to more formalized goal-setting. Injecting a bit of fun into your day is serious business. Many Fine Arts Chairs and Staff have worn them for various dancing shenanigans. If you are curious to see them in action there is footage on our Fine Arts IG (@ccafinearts). Drop a heart and give us a follow to see what else we may be up to and learn how to join in the fun.

I have emails from Tirza True Latimer from exactly one decade ago, inviting me to visit CCA, sit in on classes, attend a lecture, have dinner with her and the rest of the Visual and Critical Studies crew. Those emails are my first touchpoint with CCA. This pin is a reminder that Tirza and her colleagues invited me into a community that’s become enormously important to me, both personally and professionally. While Tirza has left CCA, I’m still here as an alum and current staff member, hoping to make the college feel like home to new generations.

As a student from India, my mother's (ma) 'mettelu' (toe-ring) featured prominently in all my work at CCA, including my paintings, performances, and videos. I wore two, one on each ring finger. This particular mettelu, my object to share, served as a source of moral support while I was away from home, providing a constant sense of comfort, almost like an ever-present hug. They also inspired the primary themes of my practice at CCA and beyond—motherhood, care, support, and labor.

In the kitchen of Meyer library I looked over and saw an eye looking back at me. A googly eye had been stuck into a small opening in the wall. A joyful surprise. As I looked closer, more eyes peeked out at me from the concrete wall. Later while packing up the library in Oakland- I found this small tin in the supply cupboard- full of googly eyes.

Working here I’ve found art everywhere.

This school, this campus, is a place we share, and as we make it our own, it also leaves its imprint on us.

I made this tiny sculpture out of an opened coquina shell found in the Gulf coast beaches of my home-state of Florida and a smooth pebble found on a beach in the Pacific coast in California. At CCA, I see how we all take small pieces of where we're from and what we love and create beautiful art from these elements of ourselves.

This object is made of fabric scraps and pieces that I saved during my time at CCA so far, and it is important because it represents how coming to CCA led to me meeting friends that bring some joy and fun into my life and something to look forward to. The bright colors represents the feelings when I'm with them and the heart is my appreciation and care for them.

I decided to make a butterfly because throughout my experience at CCA the biggest reward has been coming out of my shell, discovering things about myself, my interests and my craft. In a way I believe that the metamorphosis cycle of the butterfly describes how I have evolved as a person and professional at CCA.

My collage reflects a constant state of change and evolution. This speaks to me, to CCA, and my relationship with CCA. Every year something is different, something is always changing and that is a constant in our lives.

De Anza College was a stepping stone in my life before I transferred to CCA. During those times as a new overseas student, I often wandered through the corridors, imaged what my future might hold. While I was there, feelings of being lost and directionless filled me with uncertainty about the future. A few months later, after decided that my next destination would be CCA, the anticipation of a new life reignited my spirit like a beam of light. I took this photo on an afternoon after class and transformed it into a cyanotype.

These origami flowers represent my first week at CCA, filled with excitement and curiosity. During Chimera Welcome Week, my first gift from CCA was a tote bag that read "Find Where You Belong," along with a visitor sticker and a couple of CCA pins. These small tokens hold a special place in my memory, so I’ve folded them into an origami flower to symbolize the start of this new chapter. Though I’ve only been at CCA for a month, I already feel myself growing and beginning to find where I belong.

1. Lexar SILVER Series Professional 1667x 64GB UHS-II SDXC Memory Card

2. "MAIL-a-COMPLIMENT" project

3. "LET'S MAKE THIS A PRIVATE MOMENT" pin

The Secret of the Ninth Planet is the 2009 final thesis exhibition presented by students in the Graduate Program in Curatorial Practice. This catalogue represents the culmination of my education at CCA and serves as a recognition of the struggle, creativity, negotiation, and care that goes into the work of a curator. The show takes its title from a 1959 Donald A. Wollheim novel of the same name. In the book, evil colonialist curators display in vitrines captured members of intergalactic cultures. My cohort sought to operate counter to this model of the curator as authoritarian cultural anthropologist. Plus the spine glows in the dark!

My old name tag and Chimera keychain remind me of the shared, intertwined history I have with CCA. When asked who works, teaches, and studies at CCA, I liken it to choosing a seminary—for creatives. It’s a place for those who push the boundaries of possibility, thrive on the edge of creativity, and embody the creative accord. Our mascot, the Chimera—a mythical creature of conflicting parts—beautifully reflects CCA’s diverse, imaginative community. Though its origins are mysterious, the Chimera has woven itself into our campus lore. My humble role in resurrecting it as a symbol reminds us that we are all “makers,” continuously evolving while honoring our shared past. Though my role changes, the Chimera remains deeply rooted in CCA’s collective consciousness.

I took inspiration from my love of retro surrealism and fantasy. This piece incorporates my favorite elements of dark tones, playful imagery, and camp.

My piece is about a specific day I spent with my father in Golden Gate Park when he came to visit me, here in San Francisco. I grew up in Maine so it was nice to spend time in a place with greenery that reminded me of home with my father.

The object is important to me because it is a variation of a reflection of me. It includes my love for music, reading, the color red, flowers, ducks, etc. this object was layered to also replicate the complexity of myself as a person. Of course I have more hobbies and things I like but as of now this variation includes a few.

Having a good time and a cheerful atmosphere is most motivating and important to me as a creative person.

These two objects are stop motion puppets me and one of my best friends made here at CCA for an animation short. It was one of the first of many projects we ended up doing together which led to the friendship we still have today. We each made one character out of paper, pen, and pins and both of our different yet complimentary styles could be seen through each puppet.

On Move In day Residential Education had our first program of the year in Founders Hall where residents could make a succulent by gathering materials on each of the floors. As someone who basically just started working at the college, helping plan and participate in this event felt like the first time I was really a part of CCA. It was awesome to see students talking to new people and making connections while painting their pots and picking out succulents. It gave me a lot of enthusiasm and optimism for the upcoming school year.

When I started at CCA, I worked out of the Blattner Print Studio, with my office door open directly to the outside. There were quiet mornings when the campus was empty, and I would be sitting at my desk, drinking coffee, and feel eyes on me. Looking over, it was one of the deer, quietly watching. I relished those moments, when the local animals would make themselves known.

When I began working here 6 years ago, I managed the Materials Library, which sometimes included dusting it. Dust from the shop equipment, from the old faulty windows above, construction dust from the back lot, from the freeway and the train tracks. It quickly forms a film on every surface, heaps in the corners. It would be in my sinuses and under my fingernails after an afternoon of cleaning. That’s not my job anymore, and soon I’ll be gone from CCA, not by choice. The dust swirls, the dust settles–or does it?

My collage captures a bird, a flower, and fruits, made from materials my professor collected over years of creativity at CCA. I love the metaphor of making something new from what creative CCA people have already made. It’s a simple tribute to inspiration in the moment.

The XP is a new type of electric motorcycle, one that discards conventions and defies expectations. Developed without compromise and built with precision, the XP combines cutting-edge design with state-of-the-art technology, representing a new era of personal transport.

Design Director: Hugo Eccles, CCA Design Faculty 2014-
Designers: Camden Foley (BFA Industrial Design 2015), David Lecoeuche (BFA Industrial Design 2017), Junyi ‘Tracy’ Li (BFA Industrial Design 2018), Jacob Baldry (BFA Industrial Design 2019), Juan Ignacio Pazmino (BFA Industrial Design 2020), Arvand Ghodrati (MFA Design 2024), Oliver Grant (BFA Industrial Design 2023).

This collage is a visual representation of the artistry that music has brought about in my work ever since I started college. I chose to title it “Arpeggio” because it signifies a cord that sounds in a rising and descending manner. It symbolizes the strum and rhythm in which one creates art. There is beauty in the different waves that artists must overcome to create their work and music is a heavy influence in that. I am constantly consuming various kinds of music and that rhythm has led me to meet so many different people and has allowed me to expand my creativity.

“I’m Here” is an improvised work I decided to make as my break from a 6-hour class I had. I used alphabet stamps for the first time and collaged the borders with some magazine scraps and stamps to give it a chaotic feel. I love this concept in art. We can improvise and be chaotic, but it’s still something we harmoniously put together with our hands. I chose a red theme because it represents my love for art. It’s a passion I’ve held close to my heart since childhood and I’m grateful for being part of the CCA community now!

This artwork was made from the paper provided for us at the Making Futures event. I spontaneously joined the participating people and started creating a collage with the beautiful prints and illustrations I collected. The piece resonates with feelings of longing for connection or love that can be described as a deep, often bittersweet ache that resides in the heart—a yearning to feel understood, valued, and intimately connected to another. (I have already submitted the original artwork at the event, the image is just for reference.)

This collage is made with blanket and fabric scraps and ink pieces and stamps. This is my first year at CCA, and its very important to me to leave a mark everywhere that I go. By doing this work, I get to do that, I hope that through my years here I can continue to leave my mark.

I’ve carried this ticket in my wallet since I first became part of this community. Though my memory of where I first picked it up is fuzzy, I do remember how this small, ephemeral object became a reminder of how far I’ve come as a designer since transferring to CCA. I’ve kept it ever since as a reflection of my growth.

My first time at Double Ground started with a mystery: ducks. Tiny plastic ducks hidden all over the building, luring me into every corner of campus. It was Opening Ceremony, and what began as casual curiosity turned into a full-blown scavenger hunt. The DJ had some. Strangers pulled out fistfuls. It became a bizarre but poetic bonding experience—nothing says "creative community" like collectively chasing down rogue rubber ducks.

No one knew who was behind it, only that mysterious posters with a giant duck demanded, "Find my babies!" Naturally, I kept hunting long after the event—and yes, I found more. One thing’s for sure: CCA is full of like-minded people who appreciate a little absurdity. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The film camera I received from Rayco marked the start of my filmmaking journey. Before it, I had never truly used a camera—but with it, I began capturing moments and emotions, shaping how I see the world. Rayco, though no longer part of CCA, was a space of creativity and connection, where I found a supportive community. There, I took portraits of incredible people, preserving their stories. Though the camera no longer works, it holds memories of discovery, artistry, and belonging. It represents my evolution as a storyteller—one who captures not just images, but the soul of a moment.

In my time at CCA, I have held many jobs and each came with many keys. In 17 years, I have had 30 to 50 keys on multiple key rings.They are more than just access to closets, cabinets, and offices. These keys have meant that I have been viewed as a trusted caretaker of our community. They were about the metaphorical doors opened for the students that I have had the privilege of supporting throughout my time at the college.

After nearly a decade, this shirt adorned with the Chimera logo remains one of my most cherished possessions. It embodies legacy and nostalgia, reminding me of the personal growth and creativity I experienced at CCA. Serving on the Student Council was a pivotal part of my journey there, and witnessing our initiatives come to fruition fills me with pride and joy. It reassures me that I have indeed contributed to shaping the student experience and reinforces my belief that dedication to one's work can leave a lasting impact.

I made this etching in Fall 2023 during the Intro to Printmaking class at CCA. My MFA journey began at SFAI in 2019, but SFAI was forced to close, displacing all students. During this challenging time, CCA welcomed me, allowing me to complete my MFA in 2021. Due to COVID, most classes were online, yet CCA generously offered two in-person courses even after graduation, giving us hands-on experience. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to take these courses last fall, as they allowed me to pursue my passion for printmaking and continue my growth in a supportive environment.

“In a world full of sunflowers is all I need, because you will be there too.” are the words translated in spanish using letterpress techniques that are inside this greeting card. I made this project called “Ya No Tengo Miedo” during the post pandemic when we were allowed back on campus. I felt an urge to be honest with myself and find the little hope I had at the time, to think about what life meant to me and what I would like it to look like moving forward. Sunflowers have always had a symbolic meaning to me of being hopeful and uplifting. Let these sunflowers be a reminder that we are beautiful and shine in our own ways, and even through all the sorrow and pain there is still hope.

I received this duck volunteering at my 1st CCA Spring Fair; this volunteering experience made me feel closer to the CCA community. It began my journey to volunteering at more CCA events because of the fulfillment I received from helping out. I later used this duck as an earring for my Girl with a Pearl Earring Halloween costume. I rarely celebrated Halloween before CCA, but CCA’s enthusiasm for Halloween was contagious and made me a Halloween fan. I now enthusiastically celebrate Halloween and embrace the creativity of creating a Halloween costume each year.

On the day I was offered my job at CCA, I was sitting at my sewing machine when the phone rang. At that moment, I was threading the machine with this spool of thread. The piece I was creating, along with the thread, serves as a visual reminder of when I joined the CCA community.

This piece portrays a Persian Dive—a mythical and enigmatic figure—relishing the tranquility of a beautiful afternoon. The Persian verse, در دو چشمش گناه میخندید، بر رخش نور ماه میخندید ("Sin smiled in his eyes, moonlight smiled upon his face")

This ceramic sherd was found when they were digging up the street during the summer move. Ceramic piece like this have survived from every age of humanity and tell a bit of the story of these past worlds. We make more ceramic objects everyday that may be buried in the layers of history that our future world is built upon. I feel like acknowledging our presence in the timeline is important to remember when we do what we do.

The Connect 4 set sat on my desk for months—a quiet reminder of a time that felt both close and distant. It was a raffle prize from a Student Affairs kudos event, gifted by George and Vanessa. Every kudos earned an entry, and despite my anger after the first round of layoffs, I won.

I hadn’t asked for Connect 4, but that wasn’t the point. It was a token of appreciation, a sign that someone had noticed and cared. As the workplace changed and people left, it remained—the last piece of that era.

I've kept these CCA business cards I was given when I first started as a keepsake, though I never really had a reason to hand them out. Almost everything on them has changed—the Oakland campus is no more, 8th street isn't the main entrance, even our brand colors have changed from the orange shown here to teal—but ten years later, I'm still at CCA.

This stake comes from the tent I won at CCA in 2019, an award recognizing those who builds communities. That tent—and now this stake—symbolizes exactly that. It got me into camping, which helped me connect with people, nature, and myself, and it continues to bring me to new places, new friends, and experiences. Donating this stake to CCA for this art piece feels like a meaningful way to honor that journey and everything the tent and CCA represents.

CCAC alum, Larry Murphy, was my high school art teacher. A former Navy pilot-turned peacenik, professional potter and teacher, Larry eventually retired and opened Murphy’s Pub, intended as a Sonoma community hub. Soon after that, he served a term as Sonoma’s mayor. When I moved home to work at CCA, we met at the pub for what turned out to be our final conversation. We talked about the squiggly through-line from CCAC back then, to his art class, to CCA now, and everything in-between. A caricature of Larry still hangs on the wall at Murphy’s, drawn by my friend and high school art classmate, Andy Berry—also a CCAC alum (pictured with me and his drawing)!

This card was made for me by former CCA staff member Ruben Speers. He made collectors' baseball cards of CCA staff members during our fight for a union contract. Some of my closest friendships at CCA have revolved around the staff union and a shared love of baseball. To me the object symbolizes the close-knit staff community at CCA: our solidarity, camaraderie, and creativity.

The Fragility and Resilience of Birds

As a young child, I had recurring dreams of flight. I took flight in the evening sky, high above the treetops. A sense of freedom and spontaneity helped shape my views on life. I felt fearless and invincible in the air, quite the opposite of having my feet firmly planted on the ground. To this day, I admire our feathered friends who soar through our skies effortlessly and with confidence.

When we face challenges, whether on the micro or macro level, we must rely on our inner resilience to see past the moment's urgency and lean into the lessons that await. We must let go of preconceived ideas and open up to new possibilities. Spontaneity, flexibility, and pivoting like a bird in the sky are how I choose to navigate my role as an educator and member of our CCA community.

One project I spent years working on was preparing to close the Oakland campus library. During the extensive process of sorting and clearing the collection, I unearthed a piece of our history: a vintage checkout card holder. Its 1950s logo, featuring a stylized version of our familiar theory and practice shields, gives a tangible connection to the library's past.

This little dish reminds me of Macky Hall on the Oakland campus where the President’s Office had their workspaces for many years. I am not sure how it started, but we began a tradition in the President’s Office of gifting each other little dishes we brought back from our vacations. Our offices were filled with little dishes that reminded us of the care and support we had for one another. One of the reasons I love working at CCA is the care and support of this community. I felt that right away joining the President’s Office team. People like Gail Davies, executive assistant to the president for over two decades, made me feel at home and like I belonged here. This little dish makes me think about the CCA community–people like Gail who have made CCA feel like home for so many of us.