Through paintings, metal art, ceramics, photo collages, mixed media, videos, the written word, and performance art, Montgomery College students have expressed their complex feelings about the terrorist attacks of September 11. The College Art Department worked with the Rockville Campus bookstore to assemble 30 such student-produced images of shock, horror and hope into an informal collection, “9/11R014An Artists’ Forum,” that opened with a noon reception today.

“The purpose of this exhibition is to provide students with an outlet to share their feelings and concerns through the arts as an aid for coping and healing in this difficult time,” said organizer Susan Kryszak of Montgomery College Bookstore Services.
A total of 40 pieces, including two videos and an essay, make up the show, which opened with a student duet’s rendition of  “God Bless America.” A lively noon-hour crowd viewed the displays in a well-traveled area of the bookstore that Kryszak is helping turn into a display/performance/lecture space for the public as well as students.

According to Kryszak, “A bookstore should be a forum; it should demonstrate what happens because of the books and materials, like art supplies, that are sold in it.” “9/11R014An Artists’ Forum” continues through December 14. The Rockville Campus is at 51 Mannakee Street. Contact Bookstore Services, 240-567-7678, for more information.

Photo editors: Call 240-567-7970 to arrange for picture material.