Home grown art

Viola Ruck is an art admirer, but she doesn't have to visit an expensive gallery to find the paintings she wants.

All she has to do is walk down the hall. “I like to be surrounded by art and North Lake students produce excellent-quality pieces,” said the physics instructor. “Their art makes my room and my life happier, and I encourage the artists to pursue their endeavors.”

The artist whose work she purchased is Kapil Dixit, a 31-year-old painter whose passion for art began at age 8 when his first drawing impressed his middle-school teacher. “She told me that I would make a great artist one day, and I believed her,” said the student, who manages to pay the rent selling his art.

After gaining some confidence and experience exhibiting his work at North Lake, Kapil decided to face a bigger challenge and organized solo exhibitions in hotel lobbies and hallways. The result was phone calls from guests interested in buying his art. “I received a few calls from people in Alabama and Illinois, and that reassured me that I was on the right track,” he said.

Although some people may not notice, exhibitions and art displays are routine at North Lake. The reason is simple. Exposing their work to classmates and teachers is what gives art students the self-assurance to stand as professional artists. “One of the best things we learn at North Lake is how to position ourselves as artists, to write an art statement, build a portfolio and prepare an exhibition,” said Pat Sutterfield, a 31- year-old artist who recently made top five among the 300 art students at the school.

North Lake has always been blessed with talent. The art department has already received two commendations from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for their distinguished work. “We always had great students, but I would say that this generation is more self-initiating,” said Chris Fulmer, an art professor who has spent the last 12 years discovering new talent.

The emerging artists at North Lake have yet another source of inspiration - the alumni who are now either passing on their knowledge as instructors or selling their work. “Some artists that began their careers here at North Lake set up stores and others became art educators to pursue their art professionally on the side,” said Marty Ray, art programs coordinator.

For art students, becoming professionals means more work, recognition and money. For art appreciators, it means that buying art will get more and more expensive. So make sure to check out North Lake's next art events. You might want to grab a painting that could become a collector's piece some day.