For immediate release — Oct. 13, 2011
(DALLAS) — Among the treasures sprinkled through the Discovery Gardens at the Texas State Fair are whimsical flowers, lily pads, coppery cogs and even a childlike crescent moon. They don’t bend with the wind, but sunshine brings out shiny metals that reflect the talents of the Dallas County Community College District students who created them. Every piece is made from “found” objects, too — recycled or repurposed materials.
Those students — from the Bill J. Priest campus of El Centro College — are welded to their artwork. They designed, cut, soldered and polished a variety of metallic creations that blend well in the gardens. From palm fronds and petals to insects and turtles, their work attracts guests and transports them from trees and plants to the moon and back again.
El Centro’s art metals program “is extensive and is designed for serious artists who are interested in metal work,” said Zarrabi. Classes include welding safety, tools and equipment; intermediate welding (using multiple processes); metal sculptures; and studio problems in art metals. “We will offer a shorter version of this program as the demand increases,” added Zarrabi.
Following the installation in the Discovery Gardens at the State Fair of Texas, Zarrabi was approached by the Cedars Neighborhood Association (a group that is active in the area surrounding the Bill J. Priest campus, where the program is based) with a request to have some of the art metals students place their works in the neighborhood for everyone to enjoy.
For more information about the program, contact Zarrabi at (214) 860-5880.
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Press contact: Ann Hatch
214/378-1819;
ahatch@dcccd.edu