LCC President Dr. Stephanie Bulger speaks on 2026 Visual Art Student Exhibition
by Amanda Fallon
As Lane Community College’s 2026 Visual Art Student Exhibition comes to a close, LCC President Stephanie Bulger reflected on the talent, creativity and dedication displayed by student artists while preparing to select a piece for the college’s permanent collection.
Bulger, who has participated in the exhibition’s selection process for three years, described the experience as both an honor and a challenge.
“I’ve been able to see the talent of the students from the first year that I had the chance to do that to this year,” Bulger said. “It has been very, very difficult to choose.”
As part of the process, Bulger tours both the exhibition gallery and the works that were not selected for display, often accompanied by faculty members who provide insight into the techniques and materials used in each piece.
This year, she said she found herself especially impressed by the ceramics on display. “This is the second year in a row that I’ve seen some really technically intricate ceramic pieces.”
While Bulger appreciated every medium represented in the show, she emphasized that technical skill, creativity, originality and thoughtful use of materials all play a role in making artwork stand out.
Past selections for the permanent collection have reflected those qualities, including a pair of paintings depicting dancers that captured her attention through their sense of movement.
“I can hear the music. I can see the dancers,” Bulger said. “I thought it was incredibly amazing.”
Outside of the judging process, Bulger said she is an avid art enthusiast and collector. Her personal interests include original artwork, photography, watercolor, textiles, ceramics, and works created by artists of African descent.
Since moving to Oregon, she has also developed an appreciation for artwork inspired by the region’s natural environment.
“What I find here, what I’m attracted to here in Oregon, is work that is from the natural, organic,” she said. “That’s why I think I’m attracted to the ceramics here … because it reflects the natural world, which is so abundant here in Oregon.”
Bulger encouraged student artists to pursue both their creative passions and professional opportunities. She stressed the importance of learning how to build a sustainable career in the arts.
“My advice would be to embrace those experiences, listening to both your passions, being an artist, and also listening to how you might be a professional artist,” she said.
She also praised Lane’s art faculty for their mentorship and professional expertise, noting that many instructors are practicing artists themselves.
As another academic year came to a close, Bulger said she remains grateful for the strength of Lane’s art program and the opportunities it provides students.
“I’ll put a fine point on being honored, really honored and appreciative of having our art program here,” she said. “Our art program seems so comprehensive in terms of medium, and our art faculty are very, very talented as well.”
For Bulger, the exhibition serves as more than a showcase of technical ability, it offers a glimpse into how students see and interpret the world.
“You can learn a lot about the world by looking at the art they produce,” she said.
Please stay tuned for this year’s winner (decided in the next week) and further conversation with Bulger.
