College of Western Idaho (CWI) Studio Art students, faculty, and alumni took their talents beyond the classroom during Illuminate 2026 on Oct. 2, bringing original artwork skills to one of Garden City's annual art events.
Presented by Surel's Place as part of the First Friday Art & Studio Stroll, Illuminate transformed the Surel L. Mitchell Live-Work-Create District into an outdoor gallery of light, projection art, and visual storytelling. With CWI serving as the event's premier sponsor, students had the opportunity to showcase their creativity, collaborate with local artists, and gain hands-on experience in a public exhibition.
Members of the College’s Art Club program contributed an original installation with guidance from Studio Art Assistant Professor, Eric Mullis. Studio Art Associate Professor, Goran Fazil, and CWI alum, Megan White, also presented installations, joining artists from across the region. Additional CWI Studio Art classes participated in the exhibition, giving students an opportunity to see their work displayed alongside established artists.
CWI alum and faculty, Joseph Haskin, organized the event, helping bring together artists, students, and community members for an evening celebrating the Treasure Valley's growing arts scene.
Beyond the installations, Mullis exhibited work in Illuminated by Fire, a companion ceramics exhibition at Surel's Place featuring works by local and international artists.
Through opportunities like Illuminate, students have a chance to apply techniques learned in the classroom, build their portfolios, and connect with working artists and creative professionals. From developing artwork for a public exhibition to photographing a live community event, students gain experience that can help prepare them for careers in art, photography, and other creative fields.
Interested in exploring your own creative potential? Learn how CWI's Studio Art program can help you build your portfolio and prepare for a career in the arts.
Photos by Annie Jo Thompson, CWI Digital Photography student
