INA, Ill. (Nov. 22, 2023)—The Art Department at RLC is making strides in furthering students’ creative pursuits and funding their passion. RLC’s art associate professor Melissa McClement-Engler sees art in everything and encourages her students to follow their passion by sharing her own art in the classroom.
Art by Melissa McClement-Engler.
The photorealistic portrait of the dog created by McClement-Engler took an estimated 40 hours to complete from start to finish. She has a passion for art and considers herself to be an artist since birth. McClement-Engler has been working at Rend Lake College for 26 years and her favorite part of working for the art department in the college has been witnessing her students’ artistic growth.
She said her Fall 2023 Design class has had more students than she typically sees. Throughout the course of the semester they have learned the elements and principles of design, as well as getting hands-on with projects such as stained-glass window making and designing their own skateboard decks.
Skateboard deck by RLC Student.
As an artist since birth, McClement-Engler thinks it is important that people recognize that there is art in everything. “No matter what it is, there is always some design and creative element involved in the process,” she said.
McClement-Engler also spoke on how art, the study and practice of it, should be accessible to all. “In the art department, there are some students who are majoring in art and there are others who are majoring in design, and some students who are just taking this class for enrichment. It is important to recognize that anyone can pursue their creative passions.”
RLC Students creates stained-glass art.
The Art Association at RLC will be selling the stained-glass art pieces they have been making this semester to fund scholarships for students. Faculty, staff, and members of the community are encouraged to purchase these art pieces to help contribute to students furthering their education.
Prices range from $35 to $45. Custom-made or larger pieces can range from $50 to $300. All the funds go towards student scholarships. All stained-glass art can be viewed in the RLC theater. For inquiries on how to purchase these art pieces, contact Faith Blair at blairf@rlc.edu or call her at 618-437-5321, ext. 1263.