Since the days of Zeus and Hera Grecian culture has influenced art and politics around the world, and thousands of years later, we continue to see its impacts. A group of lucky Gulf Coast State College students and faculty were given the opportunity to experience Greece firsthand. They went abroad to study the culture and art Greece has to offer and learn why the ancient Greeks had such a timeless influence that reached far beyond its borders. The students were able to create art, drawing from their own personal experiences and their musings provided by Greece. Some pieces that were created are featured in the art exhibition, “Made in Greece X”, which is currently being held in the Amelia Center Gallery.

Some galleries can be underwhelming and under stimulating, but this exhibit catches your eye at every turn, and it is easy to see the influence of Greece in the work. When walking into the gallery guests are immersed in a collection of mixed media artwork from pottery and ceramics to photographs and written word. There is art hanging on the walls and from the ceiling. There are pieces that must be viewed from all angles, forcing you to circle them to observe each detail. There is even a journal with photos and writing from the artist that you must flip through. The interactive aspect of the exhibit keeps guests engaged and makes the experience more memorable.

Amanda Comeau, a student studying Radiography, was exploring the gallery. When asked how she felt about the gallery, she said she “loved it.” She said “it’s great having something like this. It’s like bringing a part Greece to Panama City.” Amanda spent the majority of her time examining a piece, by artist Kelly Page, entitled Good Mourning. It is a mixed media piece made by projecting images and words on pieces of clothing hanging on what appear to be a clothesline. The projected words and photos were waving which gave the illusion of the clothes blowing in the wind. “It feels like I’m on a hillside in Greece watching clothes sway in the wind as they dry. I almost feel the wind,” Amanda said.

Other notable works of art are Beer Kantharos, by Caleb Jordan and My Journey Through Greece by Rainey Smith. Beer Kantharos is a small ceramic amphora, which were traditionally used to store wine, with the “Budweiser” beer brand painted on it. It is an excellent example of merging ancient art with modern day advertising. My Journey Through Greece also seemed to marry the ancient and modern worlds. It is a journal, with a different photograph on each page, containing handwritten words detailing the artists’ experiences in Greece. It is like an old school version of Instagram.

Even thousands of years later, ancient Greece’s influence on art can bring a community together, thanks to Gulf Coast State College. The exhibit, “Made in Greece X,” is open to the public and can be seen from September 13 through October 11 in the Amelia Center Gallery (room 112), according to the Gulf Coast State College Facebook page. The college does host exhibits year-round, though, so be on the lookout for the next art showing. Information for upcoming exhibits can be found on Gulf Coast State College’s webpage, as well as their Facebook and Instagram.

Troy Hill

Student Writer - Fall 2024

This was written for DIG 2151: Writing for Media.