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IN-SIGHT EXHIBITION

© 2025  by Lara Laraby. All rights reserved.

IN-SIGHT

IN•SIGHT Faculty Exhibition – Hyde Art Gallery, Grossmont College (2023)

In 2023, I participated in the IN•SIGHT faculty exhibition at Hyde Art Gallery as both a contributing artist and a faculty curator. This annual showcase highlights the creative work of Grossmont College's Visual Arts and Humanities faculty and staff. As part of the curatorial team, I collaborated on exhibition planning, artwork layout, and installation, ensuring thoughtful presentation and cohesion across the gallery space. I also exhibited one of my own original artworks, contributing to the collective exploration of artistic practice within an academic setting. This experience strengthened my curatorial vision and deepened my engagement with the college’s cultural and creative initiatives.

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FRAGILE EARTH

Jeff Irwin Ceramics & Drawings Exhibition – Hyde Art Gallery, Grossmont College (2023)

In 2023, I served as an assistant curator for the ceramics and drawings exhibition by acclaimed artist Jeff Irwin at Hyde Art Gallery. Working closely with the gallery director and Jeff Irwin himself, I contributed to the curatorial planning, spatial layout, and exhibition design process. My responsibilities included assisting with artwork selection, coordinating installation logistics, and helping realize the artist’s creative vision in a cohesive and engaging gallery experience. This role required attention to detail, collaborative communication, and a strong understanding of curatorial flow. The result was a thoughtfully arranged exhibition that celebrated Irwin’s intricate ceramic forms and expressive drawings, and it provided me with valuable insight into curating professional-level exhibitions within an academic setting.

THUY & INSTALIATION VIDEOS

“Thuy &” and “Somewhere We Know” Exhibitions – Hyde Art Gallery, Grossmont College (2025)

As a faculty curator and exhibition assistant, I participated in the planning and installation of two concurrent photography exhibitions: “Thuy &” by AZ-based photographer Anh-Thuy Nguyen and the student-curated “Somewhere We Know” in the Patterson Window Display. My role involved providing curatorial support to the gallery team and students, assisting with layout design, spatial planning, installation logistics, and preparing the space for the public opening.

For “Thuy &”, a multimedia exhibition exploring cultural identity through photography, video, and installation, I contributed to realizing the artist’s vision by helping coordinate the physical arrangement of her semi-autobiographical narrative, which navigates the tension between Vietnamese and American identities. I supported the technical setup for the artist talk and walkthrough, ensuring a professional and engaging experience for visitors.

In “Somewhere We Know”, I guided students through the curatorial process, helping them translate their concepts into a cohesive, salon-style display that invited emotional connection through photography. This exhibition focused on evoking memory and empathy and required thoughtful sequencing, framing, and collaboration.

Together, these projects reflect my ongoing commitment to supporting both visiting artists and emerging student voices through collaborative curation, exhibition design, and experiential learning within an academic gallery setting.

K-PLAY CONVENTION-EXPO - LOS ANGELES

KPLAY Fest Expo – Orange County (2024)
Artist & Curator – Mini Exhibition

In 2024, I participated in the Orange County KPLAY Fest Expo as both an exhibiting artist and an independent curator, organizing a mini-exhibition space to showcase my original artwork and paintings. This included concept development, selection of works, and the design of an immersive display that reflected my personal artistic themes of identity, memory, and cultural fusion.

I managed all aspects of curating the space—from layout planning and booth design to lighting, visual rhythm, and audience flow. I also oversaw logistical details including transport, setup, and pricing, while engaging directly with visitors throughout the event. My artwork ranged from illustrative prints to original mixed-media pieces, each carefully positioned to form a cohesive narrative that represented my creative voice.

This experience strengthened my skills in exhibition design, visual storytelling, audience engagement, and entrepreneurial planning, bridging both curatorial practice and creative presentation in a public-facing, community-driven event.

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