College of Western Idaho (CWI) made a strong impression at Illuminated 2025 on Oct. 3, a collaborative art experience presented by Surel’s Place as part of the FlipSide Festival in Garden City. The immersive event transformed the city’s Live-Work-Create District into a glowing outdoor gallery featuring projection-based artwork from local artists, including CWI faculty and students.
Produced by CWI Studio Art alum Joseph Haskin, in collaboration with Surel’s Place, Illuminated offered visitors a mix of light, sound, and storytelling. Now in its second year, the event featured projection installations by seven artists, turning Garden City into a surreal landscape of glowing imagery and motion.
CWI Studio Art faculty Eric Mullis, Goran Fazil, and Brie Schettle exhibited alongside other regional artists, including CWI alum, Megan White. Mullis’ Sculpture (ARTS 231) students also contributed original work to the show, helping bring the large-scale installations to life.
ARTS 231 Featured Work at Illuminated
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Nostalgia: Ava Madrigal, Gracie Sosa, Sadie Meyer, Bronwyn Hitchcock
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AI Companion: Ellie Wilson, Ilene Antonov, Madi Miller, Nalani Roberts
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Autumnal: Casey Stitzel, Natalie Masterson, Emily Hall, Josefine Carver
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Victorian Still Life: Eden Hunt, Ali Henslee, Ahmed Abouzeid, Kim Bessette, Kiwi Edington
Adding to the evening’s creative energy, Fazil’s band, Grampa Crum, performed live music during the event.
The event also highlighted the growth of CWI’s new Digital Photography program. Students Shelby-Jeanne Stace, Brian Dotson, Marc Schnefke, and Holly Bale documented the event under the guidance of instructor, Shawna Donahue.
Reflecting on the experience, Stace shared the creativity on display has helped reshape her view of Idaho’s art scene.
“I have always viewed Idaho as a place where nothing happens,” Stace said. “But going to college has helped me discover these pockets of creativity and light I never thought I’d see here. I am grateful for that.”
Through opportunities like Illuminated, CWI’s Studio Art and Digital Photography programs continue to connect students to Idaho’s arts community, empowering them to create, collaborate, and share their work with the world.
