Arapahoe Community College has been recognized for its strong art faculty for years, and the Colorado Gallery of Arts in ACC’s Annex offers a look at work by specific department members during the academic year – a glimpse into the world as they see it through a particular lens – or lenses. Sometimes, they invite friends or colleagues outside the department to join them.

And prospective students can get a feel for skills they might want to pursue. Computer-generated work may say which program is used.

This year starts with an exhibit that runs through Oct. 2, with pieces by eight members of the Multimedia, Graphic Design and Illustration department and three friends. It would be nice if there were a way to exhibit video and sound in the gallery as well, since those skills are so much a part of our world these days, but with tight budgets, it’s not an option now, I suppose.

Artists represented include faculty: John Hall, Tom Demoulin, Aileen Gaumond, Les Sealing, Greg Dye, Sherry Olson, Dave Rosenberg and Jeff Petersen. Some maintain a personal studio or graphics business as well as the faculty position. Friends included: Mary Rosenberg, Glynn Rosenberg and Tracy Rogers.

Enter the gallery and look left to find comics by John Hall (a technique many young artists long to learn) and several textile examples of designer’s work, including a T-shirt.

John and Emily Hall collaborated on a promotional piece for “Soata de Camera,” a chamber music event, in warm, gold and browns, with a related accompanying design for a CD and album cover, which also would appeal to young artists. Hall also has collaborative works with Adam Hall, Megan Anderson, Cora Belle, Emily and Terry Hall.

At the east end of the gallery one sees the “Remember When” series (all for sale) and thinks perhaps installation is not finished, but a closer look explains. The wall has an assortment of photos on canvas, including some that are less eye-catching than the rest of the colorful works.

On a pedestal is a bound journal of his “World Wide Tour, May 21 to June 5, 2010,” the source of the mounted images. Visitors are invited to change out the works, substituting another from the collection stacked against the wall. One would want to make a return visit to see what happens. And, here’s a clear lesson on what grabs attention.

Bright colors certainly draw the eye, but Greg Dye’s oil painting, “Blazing Sunset,” almost hurts the eyes, while Tom Demoulin exhibits a softer, traditional watercolor of the beautiful “Florence Duomo.” He also exhibits examples of comics and a small maple elephant, we are told is “Elephant Puzzle (From Plan).”

The west wall is filled with examples of Sherry Olson’s artwork: photos and illustrations, and on the way, one views art by Les Sealing, Dave Rosenberg and Aileen Gaumond. Also: Tracy Rogers’ glass “Geometrics,” and Glynn Rosenberg’s watercolor and ink illustrations.

If you go

The MGDI exhibit runs through Oct. 2 in Arapahoe Community College’s Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Annex, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Hours: Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays until 7 p.m. 303-797-5649.