The Moorpark College art gallery is a hidden gem located in the Administration Building that allows artists to showcase their work. The fall installment features the work of Cynthia Sitton in her exhibit titled “The Space Between.” Her work will be on display from Sept. 5 to Oct. 6.

Moorpark College art gallery curator Erika Lizée chose Sitton as the artist this fall because she thinks her work is amazing.

“Her work is realistic and really narrative,” said Lizée.

As an artist and mother, Sitton paints pictures of people, using inspiration from those around her. Her daughter is one of the main people who inspires her, as they have overcome much together and their experiences seep into Sitton’s work. Her daughter struggles with mental illness, but Sitton has taken a lot of time out of her creative life to give her daughter priority and attention to get through difficult trials.

“As a narrative painter, these life experiences find their way into my work,” said Sitton.

Sitton’s carefully detailed art allows the viewers to take in each piece as an individual story. Lizée explained that her goal as curator is to show a varied selection of art throughout the semester.

Sitton’s interest in art began at a young age. Her grandfather was an artist and she spent many days in his studio. Although she had an interest in art from childhood, she did not feel the urge to create art until she was in high school. Sitton graduated with her MFA from Laguna College of Art and Design in May of this year.

Sitton’s inspiration for her exhibit came from a critique she experienced from a faculty adviser while attending Laguna College of Art and Design who gave her informative and inspiring advice. He taught her that the difficulties she struggled with are valuable.

“Inspiration often comes during the times when we feel creatively blocked or have life challenges that keep us as artists from being in the studio,” said Sitton.

For the specific art pieces chosen for the Moorpark College art gallery, Sitton used oil paint on linen. Her exhibit also consists of drawings and paintings on velum.

Outside of the Moorpark College art gallery, Sitton has three drawings and one painting on velum that can be seen by the public at a group show of works on paper that takes place at Mt. San Antonio College.

Sitton will be giving a lecture on her exhibit, “The Space Between,” on Sept.17 in the HSS Building, Room 111 at 11 a.m. For more information on the gallery, visit: http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/art-department/art-gallery.