The Cuesta College Art Gallery announces it will permanently be known as the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery after receiving a major gift from the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust. The Cuesta College Foundation received a donation in the amount of $250,000 specifically for enhancing the role of the art gallery in the community. The pledge will pay out $50,000 each year over a period of five years, with the eventual goal of establishing the gallery as an educational art hub for Cuesta College and San Luis Obispo County.
“We are thrilled to receive this gift,” said Chair of the Fine Arts Department Margaret Korisheli. “It will expand our connection to the campus and community, thereby bringing in new and diverse visitors. Increasing gallery engagement and support to ensure a vibrant galley program for future generations are keystones for the planned outreach and promotion.”
Miossi’s gift will provide the gallery with capital improvements, including structural modifications, technology upgrades and improved lighting. Operating hours will increase and more exhibits will be scheduled.
In honor of the Miossi legacy, an official naming ceremony will take place in the art gallery at the opening reception of the Biennial Cuesta College Art Faculty Exhibition on Friday, Nov. 14, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. The event will feature a plaque dedication and is open to the public. The exhibit runs from Nov. 14- Dec. 12 and features the artworks of 25 Cuesta College art faculty members. Art mediums will include drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and more.
According to www.miossicharitabletrust.org/, Miossi was “a firm believer that individuals shape the world in which they live.” He was born in 1922 and spent most of life in San Luis Obispo until he passed away in 2006. Miossi graduated from both San Luis Obispo Junior College and UC Berkley (class of 1943) with a Bachelor Degree in Science, spent 35 years serving as the California Probate Referee for the San Luis Obispo County, and served on the Cuesta College Foundation Board from 1989-1996.
About the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery
The Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery presents an annual, juried student exhibition and a changing selection by professional local, national, and international visual artists. Exhibitions are contemporary in content and reflect the educational goals of the Fine Arts programs. The art gallery course involves students in the installation and professional practices of gallery management. The gallery program promotes dialogue and engagement between the programs in Fine Arts, Cuesta College students and staff, and the community. Open 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, the gallery is located on the San Luis Obispo Campus in room 7170. Parking in lot 2 is recommended. For more information on the gallery, please call (805) 546-3936.
Spring and Summer Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery exhibition dates:
Still Moving: Los Angeles Video Artists
Jan. 20 – Feb. 13
Opening Reception: Feb. 6
Holly Lane; Cuesta College Honored Alum recipient 2012-2013
March 2 – March 27
Opening Reception: March 6
Annual Juried Student Exhibition
April 17 – May 15
Opening Reception: April 17
International Artists’ Books; juried exhibition
June 15 – July 31