Idyllwild art student to turn heads with interactive art installation (2024)

Bulletin Board is a weekly roundup of education news from the Coachella Valley and beyond.

A visual arts student from Idyllwild Arts Academy is extending an invitation to Coachella Valley residents seeking respite from rising temps next month with the unveiling of her senior capstone project, "Outside In," a 9-by-6 foot semi-permanent interactive installation.

"I want to give people a space to share their thoughts and show the variety of experiences and stories that encompass a lot of different perspectives," Devika Aggarwal said, "because there's no real right way to feel about anything."

Also in this week’s education news roundup: UCR's and CSUSB's Palm Desert campuses spring term registration is open for adults 50 and over; CSUSB will soon open its application window for inaugural Master of Science in Physician Assistant program; and a summer volunteer opportunity for local teens at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory.

Did we miss a noteworthy story?Raise your hand and send it my way:jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.

Visual arts student from Idyllwild Arts Academy to unveil interactive community installation in May

Step aside, Desert X. In an incredible display of creativity and craftsmanship, Devika Aggarwal — a visual arts student from Idyllwild Arts Academy — will unveil her interactive art installation at a community event at the school's campus on Saturday, May 11.

Made of burned wood and steel, "Outside In" is a sphere-like, geodesic dome structure designed to offer attendees a space for both inspiration and reflection. Upon stepping inside, visitors will encounter a curated exhibition featuring 35 original drawings, each derived from the thought-provoking prompt: "If walls could talk, what would yours have to say?"

"My whole thought process was that I wanted it to surround the viewer and I wanted it to be something that is more about the community and less about my emotional expression," she said. "What I am planning on doing is letting people come in and write and draw on the walls so it becomes this living, ever-changing community space."

Aggarwal, who is a senior from Gurgaon, India, hopes that her capstone project will provide insight into the experiences of others behind closed doors. What's next for Aggarwal? The interdisciplinary artist plans to study neuroscience at Boston University in the fall.

"We have a promise statement with the school that says something like, 'Art itself is not the outcome of a creative life, but rather the means to constant and necessary growth — personally, professionally and globally,'" said Pamela Jordan, president of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation. "(Aggarwal) just embodies that. Clearly if she wanted to continue in the arts, she has the talent to do so, but we're just so proud of the impact she's looking to make in the world."

For more information: Visit idyllwildarts.org/community-day

Registration now open for spring session of UC Riverside's Osher and Cal State San Bernardino's Olli courses in Palm Desert

Being a student isn't limited by what stage of life you're in. At the Palm Desert campuses of UC Riverside and California State University, San Bernardino, respectively, registration for its spring classes — designed for adults ages 50 and over — is now open.

At UCR, in-person and remote classes cover a range of topics, from documentary filmmaking and healthy eating to discussions of classic films by Mexican filmmakers such as Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and Guillermo del Toro. Class fees vary between $35 and $55.

At CSUSB, lifelong learners can enroll in university-level courses without the stress of grades, tests or homework. A sampling of remote and in-person courses includes an introduction to canine studies, an open drawing and painting studio, and a current events discussion forum. Membership to enroll is $50, which includes a parking permit and access to the class offerings.

For more information: Visit palmdesert.ucr.edu/welcome-ucr-osher or csusb.edu/olli

Cal State San Bernardino to open applications for its new Master of Science in Physician Assistant program in late April

California State University, San Bernardino will soon open applications for its inaugural cohort of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program on Thursday, April 25. The deadline to apply is December 1.

Set to begin in August 2025, the 27-month program will help meet the current and future healthcare needs of nearby communities. Pending accreditation, CSUSB's MSPA program will welcome 40 students to its state-of-the-art facilities in a remodeled building on the San Bernardino campus; the groundbreaking for the remodeling is scheduled for Friday, April 26.

"While the program is open to people across the U.S. and internationally, our goal is to have our graduates stay and serve in (the Inland Empire),” said Sonia V. Otte, MSPA founding program director, in a press release.

For more information: Visit csusb.edu/mspa

Volunteer Spotlight: Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory seeks teen volunteers this summer

Escape the desert heat this summer in the pages of a book: The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory is looking for teen volunteers, ages 12 to 18, for its 20,000 Reads Under the Sea Summer Reading Club. Volunteers' responsibilities include helping adults, children and teenagers sign up for the summer reading club, assisting during the programs and crafts, shelving library materials and other duties as assigned.

Applications are available at the children's and reference desk in Rancho Mirage and are due by Friday, April 26. All volunteers will be required to interview and attend an orientation.

For more information: Contact Valentine Kephart at 760-341-7323 ext. 618 valentinek@ranchomiragelibrary.org