If you’ve yet to do so, now’s the last chance to check out the annual U in Butte art show. Opening officially on the first of this month, the gallery will now be coming to a close this Wednesday, and will be open for viewing from 9:30 to 3:30. If you are curious about checking it out, the gallery is readily accessible to all Butte College students for free on the college’s main campus and is located in the Arts building.
The title of this year’s show is ‘Pathways’ with works meant to “encourage diverse expressions that relate to the U in Butte theme of Uncover, Uplift, and Unite”. With several student pieces on display, not only was the show open to all Butte students and faculty for submissions, but it also accepted all art mediums. Which even included writing, digital art, fashion, and even open mic submissions. So if you missed your chance this year, keep an eye out for next year’s gallery.
Upon entering the gallery you might be pleasantly surprised to note that the show is an interactive experience. With some works inviting you to participate in the fun. For example, one of the first pieces you’ll notice is the “what you need?” piece, which asks you to add your own abstract portrait representing what you need (with templates ready to go).
The installment was created by Kai Bucholz (former foster youth and Butte College student) who worked alongside current foster youth over the last five months to create a mosaic. The installment meant to empower all those who participate by allowing them to “imagine their emotional needs being met in full”
But that’s not all. Right next to the ‘What You Need?’ display is a pile of prints that are available for you to take for free. Created by Fernando Maldonado, the prints are there for those who would like to buy artwork but aren’t always able to do so, stating that “everyone needs to take artwork home to share with friends and family”. 
Then, when stepping further into the room there is also the ‘Leave a leaf’ exhibit which asks you to take a moment to jot down a positive affirmation or quote on a post-it and place it onto any one of the branches on the piece to help celebrate the U in Butte.
The last interactive installment on display is titled “The Stand”. Created by Kenzie Huston the installment was inspired by the stand she and her partner created in their neighborhood when the original one had moved locations. In honor of the community and mutual respect that goes into maintaining these types of stands she welcomes the students of Butte College to bring in any items that you may not need or want anymore and trade them in with others. Any leftover items will be donated to both the Roadrunner hub and the Queer Resource Center on campus.
Though the interactiveness of the Pathways art show helps to make it both a unique and enjoyable experience that’s not all it has to offer. There are several amazing works on display that show off the creativity and talents of those on campus. So if you have time today don’t forget to stop by and take a look.
