In envisioning the art wall at Spokane Community College Library, the Diversity, Equity, and Global Awareness (DEGA) Committee aspires to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive space which celebrates the richness of diversity within our community. The art wall is an example of the college community's commitment to fostering an environment that actively supports and promotes artists from diverse backgrounds and identities. DEGA aims to provide a platform for voices that have been historically marginalized with this showcase of art, amplifying their narratives and perspectives. This curated collection serves not only as an inspiring source of visual art but also as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and connections. By championing diversity through artistic expression, the art wall becomes a dynamic reflection of the varied experiences that make up the fabric of our community, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for the multiplicity of human stories.
The initial idea of the Art Wall was conceived by the DEGA Committee in Spring 2023. The project was initiated by the DEGA “Welcoming and Inclusive Environment” subcommittee under with the following goal in mind: “ensure that SCC campus facilities and environments are reflective of the campus population, responsive to student needs, and honor a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.” The Art Wall and its display technology was installed in Fall 2023.
The Diversity, Equity, and Global Awareness is a diverse committee connecting faculty, students, and staff that are committed to advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for all at SCC.
Every March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is celebrated. The theme in 2024 was “A World of Opportunities.”
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities states, “we’re celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. Our goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed. Join us in making a world where all kinds of people have the chance to thrive.”
Spokane Community College celebrates and advances this work through the PACE program which provides college and career readiness learning opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The inaugural display of art on the Art Wall took place during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2024 and highlighted art created by students in SCC’s PACE program.
The Hagan Center Speaker Series welcomed world-renowned artist Candy Chang to SCC in May 2024, where she presented "Making Space for Creativity and Innovation" to the campus community.
In connection with her visit, the Hagan Center Advisory Committee created and placed participatory Before I Die art walls around the SCC campus to inspire students, staff and community members to share personal reflections on living.
A sampling of those art walls were collected and displayed on the Library Art Wall to encourage continued reflection on what inspires us and draws us into community.
For more information about Candy Chang, her artwork and installations, and the Before I Die community project, check out her Before I Die TED Talk or visit the Candy Chang website.
“Art has the power to shift consciousness. It changes how we feel when we walk into a room. It can open our eyes to new ways of thinking. -- SCC English as a Second Language faculty, Diane Sherman.
Diane has also taught art journaling, creative process, writing, and yoga. Diane holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from UCLA and a Master’s degree in Arts and Consciousness from JFK University.
"I have moved into creating abstract art. I paint abstractly so I can represent a feeling I’m experiencing. I may paint to express the feeling of a summer day on the lake, or I may paint to express my sadness at the chaos of the world. Almost always, I paint from a feeling, not knowing how the painting will turn out.
I like to ask people what they see in my art, because other people see things I don’t see.
It is one of the things I love about abstract art – that it can be interpreted in many ways. We all bring our experience of living, ideas, and cultural reference when we look at art. We all see through our own lens.” -Diane Sherman.
During April 2025, National Poetry month, a PoeTree emerged on the art wall. The PoeTree was primarily envisioned and created by SCC Library Circulation Supervisor, Kelsey McCartney. Designed as an interactive experience, the PoeTree display included supplies and invitation for students, employees, and community members to contribute to the branches by adding poetry, including blackout poetry.
