An electric atmosphere filled the air as hundreds of people filled the Paul Fisher gallery in West Palm Beach. The event, organized by Dreyfoos students, featured art made by Dreyfoos students. Digital media junior Michael Steinpichler and visual junior Brandon Fardella organized the event, which was held on May 13.

“Last year we actually had a show that was way smaller but we’ve been working with the owner of the gallery for about two years now so we get benefits like [using the space],” Steinpichler said. “It was a way smaller reception [last year] and this year we pretty much just wanted to amp it up, just hella steroids on last year’s [event].”

The gallery featured art from all grades,majors, and mediums. Visual senior Tyler Brunner’s installation piece was himself in a box with a Plexiglass panel on top for viewers to see. Among the other works were visual senior Andrew Padilla’s photographs of his show titled Strongholds, which showed models wearing pieces of Padilla’s design. Plenty of planning went into the event which featured drink and snacks, a booth where student-designed clothing was sold, and a DJ.

“[We’ve been planning this event for] a whole year,” Fardella said. “After our show [last year] we kinda set the bar real low but this year we wanted to hype it. We wanted to make sure it was great so we kinda spent the whole year kinda prepping, and we knew the date so we knew when we had to have the whole thing together.”

The days leading up to the show were anything but smooth for Steinpichler and Fardella. Many students had promised to submit their art but had forgotten about the deadline for submissions. This made the lives of the organizers harder, since they had to coordinate the hanging efforts for the pieces.

“It’s typical for students to [submit their work late] but it all came together,” Fardella said.
The reception from the public was overwhelmingly positive. People enjoyed looking at the various pieces of art. Some students were even fortunate enough to have their pieces bought by members of the crowd. Both teachers and students enjoyed the variety of artwork that was presented.

“I was really impressed when I walked in and saw how crowded it was and how everybody was enjoying the atmosphere and the artwork,” digital media dean Peter Stodolak said. “I just think it’s great that everybody is supporting each other and reaching out to the community and making this happen. It helps students gain recognition for their great skill and their heart and souls that are on canvases and sculptures and photography.”