Posted: March 12, 2021Written by: Ellie Amesse

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery at Cuesta College launches the first virtual reality program in San Luis Obispo County, VR-To-Go, and announces upcoming events, including virtual conversations with artists and alumni and the annual student show.

“For the past ten months, arts institutions have had to adjust how and what they present to their communities, and how they stay engaged with their audiences during this time,” said Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery Coordinator Emma Saperstein. “The Miossi Gallery has put together several ways to engage with contemporary art during this prolonged time at home— programming that is designed to be intellectually stimulating and uplifting.”

The VR-To-Go program allows participants to experience virtual reality at home with a free check-out of a VR Oculus Quest headset. The all-in-one headset will provide students and community members with a curated selection of arts-related content, providing an immersive experience featuring a diverse range of licensed short films from around the world. The virtual reality program’s first season includes -22.7° C, Le Lac, Daughters of Chibok, and The Real Thing. More information on these short films is available on the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery website at cuesta.edu.

VR-To-Go headsets are now available for reservations with pickups and drop-offs scheduled for Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Please email emma_saperstein@cuesta.edu to schedule an appointment.

The Alumni Series features former students of the Cuesta College art department who have demonstrated success in the creative field. They each share their post-Cuesta journey, what they have accomplished, and what they’ve learned along the way. Previously, the gallery has conducted discussions with Casey Wieber, Amanda Adams, Cristal Tappan, and Joshua Solis. The next alumni event will occur on March 18 from noon to 1:00 p.m. and features Lizzie Grace Christie and Nicola Lee. Registration for the online event is available here.

The gallery will continue its ongoing Laboratory Series for the spring semester in collaboration with R.A.C.E. Matters SLO. Black-identified artists are invited to talk about their practice, share their journey with the community, and answer questions. Past featured artists have included Ayana Evans, Cara Hagan, Seitu Jones, Carlos Martiel, and Tsedaye Makonnen. Laboratory Series IX is scheduled for March 25 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. and will be hosted by Demetrius Oliver in conversation with Cal Poly professor Thomas Fowler. Please register for the online event by clicking here.

The annual student show will take place virtually this spring. Student artists will present brief artist statements along with their art pieces. For more details and information on how to participate in these events and programs, please visit the gallery’s website and subscribe to the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery newsletter.