CCP to Host 60th Anniversary Alumni Art Showcase

Throughout the month of September, Community College of Philadelphia will host an alumni showcase featuring more than 70 pieces of artwork from more than 40 artists, celebrating 60 years of the arts at the College. The showcase will highlight both professional and nonprofessional artists from a variety of programs including visual arts, music, theater and photography. Demonstrating the breadth of our talented alums throughout our 60-year history, this collection shows how art serves as an essential outlet for inspiration and innovation.

The alumni artists featured in this showcase span across decades, some graduating in the 1970s and others who just crossed the commencement stage earlier this year. Each of the artists are excited to share their work with the community that helped launch their creative careers and passions. “As an alumnus, I am honored to submit these works for this exhibition,” said James Stella, ‘05. Stella’s two cast paper pulp artworks commemorate the 25^th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. “My hope is that they encourage viewers to pause, reflect and remember—not only the tragedy, but also the compassion, unity and strength that emerged in its aftermath.”

Many of the artists are grateful for the strong foundation they built at CCP. “I attribute my abilities in music production, audio and music business knowledge to my time at CCP,” said Joshua Hartie, ‘25. “The lifelong connections and lessons I’ve learned here will always be deeply appreciated in my heart forever.” Additionally, several of the artists appreciate the personal connections they developed with other students and professors in the department. Lena Keys, ’20, shared her gratitude for the freedom and acceptance she felt from her professors. “…I think what benefitted me the most was that all of my teachers saw me for me,” she said. “I felt a lot at previous institutions I was supposed to become what they were trying to mold me into. Not at CCP…There was no judgement, just advice. The teachers of the Art department helped me get to Chicago, where I now live and have a dream job in the arts.”

This showcase not only celebrates alumni actively working in the arts, but those who hone their crafts as creative outlets on the side of other professions. For instance, Christina Miletto, ‘17, works full time as a Mammography technologist but uses her artistic talents to find peace and relief from everyday stressors. “While I’ve worked in radiography for almost a decade, I’ve been an artist and hobbyist, practically, my entire life,” she said. “Art has guided and supported me throughout many seasons of my life, and has strengthened my creativity and proven useful in my professional role.”

CCP is excited to celebrate 60 years of the arts at the College. Join us for the opening reception on Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Gilroy Roberts Rotunda Gallery and LLC Exhibition Space, both in the Mint Building. The reception will feature art installations across campus, performances, a keynote address and tabling by local Philadelphia Arts organizations. The showcase will be on display from Sept. 1 to Oct. 2. Learn more about the Alumni Art Showcase here.