Long Beach City College is hosting a new art exhibition titled Through The Lens and Story from Nov. 5 to Dec. 5.
Created by Jose Ibarra-Virgin, the showcase uses photography and storytelling to explore culture, identity, and mental health through the work of six first-generation Latino student-artists.
Through the Lens and Story brought together attendees, artists, and directors to explore the power of creative expression.
Director Ibarra-Virgin established a foundation for the entire exhibit through his doctoral research that provided students with cameras, journals and an open space for meaningful discussion.
The primary goal of the project is to show faculty and staff exactly how students are struggling behind the scenes.
“I want to encourage the campus community to build a more of a human connection to support students during their difficult times. I also want to aim to reduce the stigma surrounding the topic by showing students that it’s always safe to talk about internal struggles,” Ibarra-Virgin said.
Artist Eddie Valencia attributed the exhibition’s success to the effort and dedication that went into putting it together.
“Hard work, consistency, focus and team work,” Valencia said.
Valencia found deep motivation in watching Ibarra-Virgin reach an academic milestone.
“I hope visitors would walk away from this event inspired and motivated for their personal journeys by expressing themselves and never feeling feared,” Valencia said.
Attendee Kathrine Dominguez felt very drawn to the event because she enjoyed artwork.
“Seeing how people express themselves through their creativity is inspiring,” Dominguez said.
Ultimately Ibarra-Virgen hoped the community would learn from the artwork that mental health is a journey, and it’s okay for students to seek help when needed.
