Posthumous gallery opens in Dickenson building

Outside it was gray and darkening, but inside the Dickinson Building at PVCC there was the glow of light and connection as students, faculty, and members of the community gathered to remember the late PVCC Professor of Art Beryl Solla through her creations. 

Interspersed among the pieces were tables loaded with snacks, drinks, and computer screens showing even more of Solla’s work. These spots became focal points as people connected over their shared memories.

This gallery opening focussed strongly on participation. Solla’s distinctive, bright pieces filled the hallways, and in the center of the left hallway was a box where people could arrange several sections of Solla’s unfinished ceramic works. Anyone who wished could take a moment to explore their own artistic tendencies. Attendees were then encouraged to post their creations to social media.

A wide range of Solla’s mediums were on display. Many pieces were ceramic, some embroidered or beaded cloth, and some created from tile. All of them boasted Solla’s distinctive bright style. There were several pieces that, despite being vivid in their own right, were substantially more subdued. These had visitors shaking their heads with good humor. The many comments about how toned down and calm the pieces were, spoke to the vibrancy present in all of Solla’s works. 

Several students, past and present, attended the event. Many knew her outside of PVCC as well, some living in places that display her artistry. When asked about the gallery opening one past student, Marla Kos, said, “It’s definitely her.” 

Kos spoke fondly of Solla. She remembered her as an encouraging and extremely present teacher. But above all else, Kos expressed a sentiment that Solla had shared many times with her: “We can all do art.”