MESA, Arizona - April 28, 2026 - A one-night-only art exhibition featuring original work created by 11 Mesa Community College (MCC) art students, resulting from their partnership with established local artists, is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. May 1 at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center (ALAC), 147 E. Adams St., Phoenix. The event is free and open to the public.

Showcasing the work of both students and respected Phoenix-area artists, the exhibition features a mix of traditional and contemporary techniques in painting, ink work, mixed media work, visual illustration and photography. Some pieces are collaborations between artist and student and some reflect the influence of the artist-mentor on the student. 

Participating local artists include José Andrés Giron, Oliverio Balcells, Lalo Cota, Jim Covarrubias, Yolanda David-Gutiérrez, Martin Moreno, David Murrieta, Roman Reyes, Suzanne Rios and Hedy Treviño.

The art collaboration and mentorship project is a partnership between MCC and ALAC and is led by Gingher Leyendecker, Ph.D., MCC Fine Arts Program coordinator; and ALAC associates including Edgar Alvarado; Gil Bivens, president and CEO of USA Media, LLC, a multicultural storytelling and content creation company in Phoenix; Monica Margaillan, M.Ed.; Kathleen Perales, M.Ed; and Reyes, artist and Phoenix College professor emeritus. 

“‘Art is the Keeper of History’ is the underlying theme of this exhibition which enabled MCC students to work with respected Phoenix artists, many of whom are known for their commissioned murals in downtown Phoenix,” said Leyendecker. “The well-established artist-mentor represents the history of art in Phoenix. They’ve watched the art scene grow and are part of it. Their work can be seen everywhere downtown.

“In working with them,” she added, “our students can understand where their place is in history and how they fit in to actually become a part of the art scene in Phoenix.” 

During the three-month project, students and artists met with each other regularly. While some met once a week to work on individual art projects, others worked together more often on the artists’ actual commissioned works. 

“By being a part of this program, MCC students get to understand their place in the history of art in Phoenix, to see that there is a place for them and understand that their voices are important,” Leyendecker noted. “Their voices–artists’ voices–are more important now than ever. Our artists need to understand their importance and the effect they can have on our culture, on their own identity and the world view. They’re starting to understand what art means to culture and society–how it changes people’s views and how they have a place in it. 

“Also, they’re networking with their artist-mentor and finding actual avenues for their art,” Leyendecker continued. “Because the artists are involved in public works, they have many contacts through galleries and buyers who collect their work. These new artists are being introduced so they’re not leaving MCC and wondering what to do next. They’re already going to have an in somewhere in the art world.”

For information about MCC’s arts programming, visit mesacc.edu/departments/art.

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.