[media-credit name=”Courtesy of Raul Espinoza” align=”alignright” width=”300″]
[/media-credit]For years Leonila Baier has admired Raul Espinoza’s stunning painting of the arts building that hangs on the wall across from her desk. One day as she stared at the luminous colors of the watercolor she had an idea. It was time to share the painting with the community.
Baier, administrative secretary of the School of Arts and Communication, suggested to Espinoza that he make posters and sell them in conjunction with Southwestern College’s 50th anniversary.
“On many occasions when faculty would visit our office, they would comment on the beauty of this painting and want to know where it came from,” Baier said. “They wanted to know if he ever thought of reproducing prints to sell.”
Espinoza said that he thanks Baier for giving him the push he needed to sell his art. He said SWC’s 50th anniversary occasion would be a great opportunity to start selling the print since it marked a special point in SWC history.
Espinoza’s painting is of the building where most of the art classes are taught and where he was inspired.
“Every morning I saw this same building in a different lighting,” he said. “I was awed at how the green trees and its leaves shimmered and shined. It was fascinating.”
After two hours a day for one week, Espinoza finished his piece and asked if he could hang it in the Arts and Communication office.
Donna Arnold, dean of the school, said that Espinoza is a talented artist.
“Raul presented the idea of the Campus Commemorative Water Color to me,” Arnold said. “I encouraged him to present the piece to President Whittaker, who will be formally accepting the piece at the governing board meeting in May.”
Posters replicating the piece are on sale for $75. Part of the proceeds will benefit the School of Arts and Communication. To purchase a poster contact Baier at extension 6441.
