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Home › Stories › David Contreras

David Contreras

August 9, 2016

“On numerous occasions, I have thought to myself about the wonderful, positive impact David will have on our world as he goes on with his life.” – Andrew Polk, Professor of Art

What a fitting observation to introduce undergraduate School of Art student, David Contreras. David, a senior at the University of Arizona, who in the words of Associate Professor of Art, Cerese Vaden, is not only “in the budding stages of a prolific and unique art career” but also an individual working to create an accessible and connected art community within Southern Arizona in hopes of bettering our youth.

While earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education and 2D Studio Art, David, a Tucson native, threw himself headfirst into his education and artistic practice. While David’s foremost focus is in printmaking, he’s fearlessly explored myriad artistic mediums while a student at the University of Arizona’s School of Art. David credits his multi-disciplinary coursework as well as the School of Art’s professors as key components in his growth as an artist. As such, it is only fitting that David’s recommendation to incoming Fine Arts students is to “learn as much as you can, experience as much as you can, and to expose yourself to all the possibilities that the School of Art has to offer”. His close second recommendation is to at least once work from sunset to sunrise in the School of Art studios.

David’s fearless fervor for exploration led him to attend two competitive study abroad programs in Italy and Mexico as well as two highly respected international printmaking workshop in South Dakota and Nebraska. Through these programs, David realized the significance of creating one’s own artistic network. With this knowledge, David has crusaded to create a connected and approachable local art community right here in our very own city.

As Vice President of UA’s Wildcat Print Association, a club dedicated to promoting a prosperous printmaking community on UA’s campus, David has recruited students and seasoned artists alike to advance the clubs mission to unite experienced printmaking artists with UA students. In addition to the building a flourishing printmaking community on campus, David volunteers and exhibits his work at Raices Taller Gallery and Workshop in Tucson. During his shifts, David often stands outside the gallery entrance inviting local youth and pedestrians into the space. He says, “Art can be intimidating. But I want people to realize that art is there for everyone to experience”. David plans to continue inspiring community engagement by earning an MFA in printmaking, with the eventual goal of opening his own non-profit print shop & gallery to help troubled youth through art.

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University of Arizona School of Art
2 days ago
University of Arizona School of Art

The College of Fine Arts honored 2023 Alumnus of the Year John Meyer (BFA '82, Studio Art) last night in the School of Art atrium. Before the reception, John conducted portfolio reviews with eight students. He's being honored by the university at a luncheon today. Arizona Arts The University of Arizona ... See MoreSee Less

The College of Fine Arts honored 2023 Alumnus of the Year John Meyer (BFA 82, Studio Art) last night in the School of Art atrium. Before the reception, John conducted portfolio reviews with eight students. Hes being honored by the university at a luncheon today. Arizona Arts The University of ArizonaImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
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University of Arizona School of Art
3 days ago
University of Arizona School of Art

Congrats to Nathan Abel (MFA '09, Printmaking), who will host the opening reception for his exhibition "Nesting" on Friday, Feb. 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper, Wyoming.

"In Nesting, the work tells the story of when my wife and I began planning a family. We anticipated problems but had no idea of the long and traumatic path ahead of us. It is through my work I hope to shed light on infertility, child loss, and adoption. I want to show the hardships and joy that can come with creating a family and honor the experience we and so many others have been through." - Nathan Abel

Arizona Arts @uarizona The Nicolaysen Art Museum
... See MoreSee Less

Congrats to Nathan Abel (MFA 09, Printmaking), who will host the opening reception for his exhibition Nesting on Friday, Feb. 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper, Wyoming. 

In Nesting, the work tells the story of when my wife and I began planning a family. We anticipated problems but had no idea of the long and traumatic path ahead of us. It is through my work I hope to shed light on infertility, child loss, and adoption. I want to show the hardships and joy that can come with creating a family and honor the experience we and so many others have been through. - Nathan Abel

Arizona Arts @uarizona The Nicolaysen Art Museum
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University of Arizona School of Art
4 days ago
University of Arizona School of Art

Thanks to Peter Pappas, a School of Art Advisory Board member, who kicked off our five-part Student Development Series with a workshop on "Career Paths for Artists." Future Tuesday workshops are "Marketing for Artists" (Feb. 28), "Working with Galleries" (March 21), "Legal Tools for Protecting Your Work" (April 4) and "Life Lessons from Art Alumni" (April 25). Arizona Arts The University of Arizona University of Arizona Museum of Art ... See MoreSee Less

Thanks to Peter Pappas, a School of Art Advisory Board member, who kicked off our five-part Student Development Series with a workshop on Career Paths for Artists. Future Tuesday workshops are Marketing for Artists (Feb. 28), Working with Galleries (March 21), Legal Tools for Protecting Your Work (April 4) and Life Lessons from Art Alumni (April 25). Arizona Arts The University of Arizona University of Arizona Museum of Art
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University of Arizona School of Art
4 days ago
University of Arizona School of Art

John Meyer (BFA '82, Studio Art) will be honored Thursday as the College of Fine Arts' Alumnus of the Year. He calls his Walgreens branding campaign ("At the Corner of Happy & Healthy") as his favorite. Go to tinyurl.com/SOAMeyerprof to read his profile. @absolutmeyer @uarizona ... See MoreSee Less

John Meyer (BFA 82, Studio Art) will be honored Thursday as the College of Fine Arts Alumnus of the Year. He calls his Walgreens branding campaign (At the Corner of Happy & Healthy) as his favorite. Go to https://tinyurl.com/SOAMeyerprof to read his profile. @absolutmeyer @uarizona
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University of Arizona School of Art
5 days ago
University of Arizona School of Art

The Rodeo de Tucson Group Show features four paintings by Moira Geoffrion, chair of the School of Art Advisory Board and professor emerita. The opening reception is Friday, Feb. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Medicine Man Gallery, 6872 E. Sunrise Drive. The show will showcase more than 30 artists, including Howard Post (BFA '72, MFA '78). Go to tinyurl.com/y6uases9 for more details. Arizona Arts The University of Arizona Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery ... See MoreSee Less

The Rodeo de Tucson Group Show features four paintings by Moira Geoffrion, chair of the School of Art Advisory Board and professor emerita. The opening reception is Friday, Feb. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Medicine Man Gallery, 6872 E. Sunrise Drive. The show will showcase more than 30 artists, including Howard Post (BFA 72, MFA 78). Go to https://tinyurl.com/y6uases9 for more details. Arizona Arts The University of Arizona Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery
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University of Arizona School of Art
6 days ago
University of Arizona School of Art

Congrats to Dwayne Manuel (MFA '14), whose art collaboration with the Phoenix Suns was featured on the team's main scoreboard last week. www.dwaynemanuel.com/ ... See MoreSee Less

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