Thomas Aguilar ’27
A few years ago, I probably would not have told you I would be studying art. I originally planned to be a psychology major, and while I still have a love for the subject, after taking some introductory classes at the Studio Art Hall, I knew my undergraduate plans would have to be recharted.
What most drew me to the major was the resources available at the building. Our facilities allow for a variety of art-making, including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, wood and metal sculpture, fiber art, photography and printmaking. This has encouraged me to experiment with my artwork in ways I never knew would be possible during my time at Pomona. The course offerings are always exciting and sometimes unfamiliar but nonetheless, I always dive in headfirst and am proud to have added a plethora of skills to my repertoire.
A class I cite as a turning point in my practice is Fiber Studio with Mercedes Teixido and Lisa Anne Auerbach, which I took my sophomore year. At the time, I had seen myself working primarily in 2D with painting and drawing, which made this class somewhat intimidating. Regardless, I stayed true to my philosophy of trying new things and have grown a passion for sculpture. Our final assignment: the creation of a knitted hat has been incredibly formative for my current work, which explores confrontation and identity through wearable cardboard headpieces.
Aside from my creative practice, my friend and fellow major Becca Choe and I have hosted D.A.M.N., or Diva Art Movie Nights, a film series we’ve organized since our sophomore year in the Art Hall’s theater. I’m grateful for the community we’re creating at the building and am proud to be part of its legacy alongside my talented peers
Kiara Flores ’26
When I first arrived at Pomona, I was an economics major, with art being just an interest I practiced in my free time. As soon as I took a drawing class in the fall of my sophomore year, I knew it was where I wanted to be for the rest of my college career. I was in awe of the beauty of the Studio Art Hall and captivated by the wide array of classes offered—I immediately connected with the space.
I took introductory classes to familiarize myself with the art professors and art majors, who gave me a sense of what the next few years might look like if I declared an art major. Every class helped me better understand what to expect from an art career, especially through the guest speakers who shared their educational paths, creative processes, and ongoing projects. All I knew for sure was that I loved creating and being around other welcoming, creative individuals, so that was enough for me to declare.
I continue to take classes across different mediums and levels to hone my personal practice. One class that completely changed my perspective was Fiber Studio with Mercedes Teixido and Lisa Auerbach. I always thought I would strictly be a painter, but after learning the basics of sewing, patching, weaving, and knitting, I discovered a new focus. I've brought my painting techniques into the fiber realm, continuing to explore recurring themes such as my identity, my L.A. community, and current social issues. This blending of practices and mediums has expanded the way I think about art and what it can be. I’m happy I found my place as an art major at Pomona and get to share the studio with so many amazing people.