CCS student painters participate in 2024 UCSB Alumni Awards on April 19, 2024

Thanks to Gene Lucas ‘73 (CoE Nuclear Engineering) and Luanne Raznick (‘81 L&S History) Andreotti, students showcased their painting creations and socialized during the evening festivities 

“Our mission as directors of the UCSB Alumni Association is to help create a sense of belonging among all of our students.” This exciting collaboration with emerging artists at CCS enhances the visual experience of an important annual campus event while allowing young visionaries among us to gain more recognition as an integral part of our academic community.”

—Luanne Raznick (‘81 L&S History) Andreotti, UCSB Alumni Association Board Director

College of Creative Studies (CCS) student painters were able to network with UCSB alumni, including Art graduates, at the 2024 UCSB Annual Alumni Awards on April 19 at Corwin Pavilion. This annual event honors the achievements of outstanding alumni and supporters of UCSB, and was hosted by the UC Santa Barbara Alumni Association Board of Directors, joined by Chancellor Henry T. Yang and Alumni Association Executive Director Samantha Putnam. 

The College is grateful to Gene Lucas ‘73 (CoE Nuclear Engineering), president of the UCSB Alumni Association, and to Luanne Raznick ‘81 (L&S History) Andreotti, UCSB Alumni Association board director, for their gracious invitation for CCS students to participate. The student artists had their paintings displayed on easels and spoke about their creative works during the evening with attendees. The students enjoyed the evening festivities along with CCS Interim Dean Timothy Sherwood and others from the College in attendance.

“A huge thank you to Luanne Raznick Andreotti, Gene Lucas, and the entire Alumni Association for the invitation for our CCS Art students to share their work with such a distinguished group of UCSB Alumni!”

—Timothy Sherwood, CCS Interim Dean

“A huge thank you to Luanne Raznick, Gene Lucas, and the entire Alumni Association for the invitation for our CCS Art students to share their work with such a distinguished group of UCSB Alumni!” said CCS interim dean Timothy Sherwood. “I had a chance to catch up with each of our students individually through the evening and they each appreciated the opportunity to speak about their work, grow their connections, and develop professionally in this way.  It was a pretty memorable evening spent recognizing the contributions of a set of truly remarkable alumni and I appreciated the way everyone there greeted our students with enthusiasm and curiosity, providing them with a glimpse into their soon-to-be shared connection as members of the UCSB alumni community.”

Meet CCS Painters at 2024 UCSB Alumni Awards

Ahsia Barrientos

'24 (CCS Art)

Name of painting: Playroom

Playroom represents a return to childhood as an adult, specifically through a space where play and wonder is encouraged. As I learn to recontextualize how I fit into this space now, I am reminded of the security I once felt as a child and aim to reincorporate this feeling into daily life.

—Ahsia Barrientos '24 (CCS Art)

Read Ahsia's artist statement from the 2024 UC Santa Barbara Alumni Awards Banquet.

Kelly Malone

'24 (CCS Art)

Name of painting: Like the Mountains in Springtime

Name of painting: Prayer Card II

"In my work, I encourage a closer examination of what goes unnoticed and unappreciated in the world around us, and call attention to the joys of looking. I find many ordinary events and objects to be remarkable, and enjoy uncovering the strange beauty that can be found in unexpected places."

—Kelly Malone '24 (CCS Art)

Read Kelly's artist statement from the 2024 UC Santa Barbara Alumni Awards Banquet.

Bahia Washington

’26 (CCS Art)

Name of painting: Quiet Reflections

Name of painting: June Bloom 

"Driven by the curiosity to learn and create, my art explores themes of self-discovery  as a platform for introspection and a celebration of individual and collective identities. Self-exploration is at the core of all my creations."

—Bahia Washington ’26 (CCS Art)

Read Bahia's artist statement from the 2024 UC Santa Barbara Alumni Awards Banquet.

Samantha Wilkinson

'26 (CCS Art)

Name of painting: Emme in Plaid

My work delves into intimacy and connection between people, the earth, and the unconscious self. I often engage with the human body, natural elements, and marine worlds to explore these ideas of ephemera, sensoriality, and liminal spaces. 

—Samantha Wilkinson '26 (CCS Art)

Read Samantha's artist statement from the 2024 UC Santa Barbara Alumni Awards Banquet.

Owen Jenkins 

'24 (CCS Art)

Name of painting: His Favorite Spot

Name of painting: Passing Through

Experiential learning is a hallmark at CCS for its students in all nine majors. Opportunities of this kind are always welcome as they allow students to interact in ways that open doors for their personal and professional wellbeing. CCS is grateful to the UCSB Alumni Association and looks forward to future mutually beneficial collaborations focused on building connectivity and community.