The culmination of a year’s work will adorn the hallways of Lake Tahoe Community College when the annual student art exhibit opens. The opening reception is May 23 from 2-5pm in the LTCC commons.

The students involved come from a variety of backgrounds.

Student artist Karl Schwiesow grew up in Homer, Alaska. Watching and working with his father, a marine fabricator, Schwiesow learned early on how things were built. His childhood was spent building boats with his father, skiing and playing in the snow, and drawing – always drawing. When Schwiesow entered high school, he was first introduced to formal art classes.

Karl Schwiesow

After graduation, Schwiesow left the isolation of Homer, following the snow to pursue his love of skiing. After moving to Washington for several years and then to Tahoe and working as a carpenter, Schwiesow was encouraged by his fiancé to pursue art.

Schwiesow became a staple in the studios of the LTCC Art Department, where he continues to hone his artistic skills. He produces work across the curriculum in ceramics, wood and metal sculpture, painting, drawing, and printmaking.

In 2009, Schwiesow participated in Sierra Nevada College’s invitational show for area colleges. His sculptural piece “Cube” won first place in the show and the attention of Sierra Nevada’s Art Department staff. Schwiesow was invited to interview and submit a portfolio. As a result of that meeting, Schwiesow was awarded a full tuition scholarship to Sierra Nevada, where he will begin in this fall. Schwiesow graduates from LTCC in June with his associates in art.

More than 400 pieces will be on display in LTCC’s 2010 Annual Student Art Exhibit. The show opens May 23 in the main commons of the Lake Tahoe Community College campus. The show will continue through June 19, and is open to the public.

Stop by the LTCC campus and place your vote for the “People’s Choice” award at the exhibit.