Artwork by Cassandra Spruit on display now through August

On display now through August, 2013, in what PTC has affectionately dubbed the “Pine Art Gallery,” are original works of art created by computer science student Cassandra Spruit. Spruit came to PTC in Aug., 2012, having transferred from Anoka-Ramsey Community College, where she began her academic career taking a variety of general education courses. However, Spruit says once she discovered PTC's programs in the computer sciences, she was inspired to pursue an education focused in information and computer science.

"I was drawn to PTC because, while I appreciate the value in gaining a comprehensive general education, I knew it was time to focus on a particular track," Spruit says. "Plus, of course, I am kind of a natural techie; after all, even my artistic side is influenced by the digital and hi-tech world," Spruit adds.

Today, Spruit is nurturing a budding career in graphic design and manages a small business in addition to taking courses in the computer science program. Most recently, Spruit designed a logo for a friend's startup film production company.

"I was always really into computers growing up, and also, I was always kind of artistic and creative," Spruit says. "When I got a really hi-tech tablet for Christmas in 2011, my skills really took off, and after spending time practicing and creating things with that, I began to consider a career in graphic design," Spruit explains.

Spruit also has become an important figure on the PTC campus, having served for the past two semesters as an alternate voting senator representing the Computer Club; and, Spruit recently was elected to serve the larger student body in the upcoming '13-'14 academic year as Student Senate Vice President.

Spruit is on track for a May, 2014 graduation with her A.S. in computer science and plans to transfer to St. Cloud State University to pursue a B.S. in applied computer science.

The Pine Art Gallery features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of Pine Technical College students and the larger Pine community. The exhibit changes seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased, including paintings, photography, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works in the Pine Art Gallery, see the Pine Technical College Marketing Director in Student Affairs.