Kiara Flores ’26
When I first arrived at Pomona, I was an economics major, with art being just an interest I practiced in my free time. As soon as I took a drawing class in the fall of my sophomore year, I knew it was where I wanted to be for the rest of my college career. I was in awe of the beauty of the Studio Art Hall and captivated by the wide array of classes offered—I immediately connected with the space.
I took introductory classes to familiarize myself with the art professors and art majors, who gave me a sense of what the next few years might look like if I declared an art major. Every class helped me better understand what to expect from an art career, especially through the guest speakers who shared their educational paths, creative processes, and ongoing projects. All I knew for sure was that I loved creating and being around other welcoming, creative individuals, so that was enough for me to declare.
I continue to take classes across different mediums and levels to hone my personal practice. One class that completely changed my perspective was Fiber Studio with Mercedes Teixido and Lisa Auerbach. I always thought I would strictly be a painter, but after learning the basics of sewing, patching, weaving, and knitting, I discovered a new focus. I've brought my painting techniques into the fiber realm, continuing to explore recurring themes such as my identity, my L.A. community, and current social issues. This blending of practices and mediums has expanded the way I think about art and what it can be. I’m happy I found my place as an art major at Pomona and get to share the studio with so many amazing people.