By Avi King

The Alumni Art Showcase returned to Community College of Philadelphia on Thursday, September 17 after a ten-year hiatus and featured the work of over a dozen CCP alumni. The showcase brought together many different art styles, such as music, spoken word, and sculpture, and allowed for previous students to showcase and display their works to the present college community along with their friends and family.

The event was held in the Mint Building and featured remarks from CCP President Dr. Alycia Marshall, Chief Cultural Officer and Executive Director of Philadelphia’s office of Arts and Culture Val Gay, and others.

“I love everything about what CCP stands for, and I saw some of the student work a few months ago and I was blown away. And so to be honored to be asked to be a part or something as beautiful as this that hasn’t happened in 10 years, that’s enough for me,” Gay said.

For some of the featured alumni, returning to CCP was way more than just displaying artwork. Mike Nicastro, a CCP alumnus and featured artist, said he wanted to participate because of the positive experience he had in his time at CCP.

“I had a really good time going to school here, and I think I learned a lot, and it’s always nice to have your work be seen” Nicastro said.

For others, the showcase was an opportunity to support local artists and introduce a younger generation to art. Amani attended the showcase to support her friend and featured artist Zella Gordon, as well as bring her granddaughter to experience the showcase.

“Everything is beautiful,” Amani said. “Everything really has a deep story to tell.”

Among the alumni exhibiting work was an artist whose pieces were featured under the business name of Plush Education. The Artist, Dr. Plush said CCP played an important role in both their academic and personal journey.

“I’m really proud of CCP being a stepping stone from where I started,” Dr Plush said.

They said returning to CCP and displaying their work was a way to give back to the community that had given so much to him and inspire others with similar goals.

“It’s nice to be able to give back and to have some type of art that perhaps could inspire others who have the same goals and aspirations,” Dr Plush said.