A summer student show, featuring: Deborah Gruber, Stacia Lake, Yen-Yu Lien & Diana Sexton
Visceral and Vibrant: Artworks by Deborah Gruber, Stacia Lake, Yen–Yu Lien, and Diana
Sexton features large–scale paintings, ceramics works, and mixed–media sculptures created by
four Austin Community College Studio Art students. Recommended by faculty, these artists
have established artistic styles that explore visceral and vibrant subject matter through the use
of scale, color, and textures. This exhibition will be on view July 6 through July 28 in Gallery
2000 (Highland Campus 2.2450) at The Art Galleries (TAG) at Austin Community College.
Artist Bios:
Deborah J. Gruber is a visual artist who took a circuitous path to the current exhibition. Leaning
into sculpture and 3D art as a tentative explorer, she has redefined her creative direction. Her
introduction to art was an Associates degree in Graphic Design, which served as a career
jumping off point. This experience evolved into additional undergraduate and graduate degrees,
and a path oriented towards marketing and business administration. Working long term with an
international scientific research group was a catalyst for travel opportunities and a deep
appreciation for art forms from all over the world. Her artwork has been included in juried shows
and galleries since 2019.
Anastacia (Stacia) Lake is a student artist at Austin Community College, specializing in 3D art
and sculpture. She co–founded the ACC’s 3D Art Club and played a vital role in making
sculptural metal casting accessible to students. Anastacia’s dedication to her craft led to her
employment as an assistant to Yousif Del Valle, aiding in Design II and Sculpture classes. She
received accolades in multiple student art exhibitions at ACC, including Second Place in Digital
Media, Best in Show, Third Place in Sculpture, and the Chancellor’s Award. Anastacia
continues to push boundaries and explore the possibilities of 3D art, constantly seeking new
avenues for creative expression.
Yen–Yu (Yen) Lien, a Taiwanese–born artist who now resides in Austin, Texas. She holds an
Associate degree in Graphic Design from Austin Community College and has a background in
international trade business. Yen has been involved in student organizations in Taiwan and has
served as president and officer of the ACC Student Affairs Center and the ACC Clay Club.
Yen’s work has been recognized and exhibited locally and nationally including at the Annual
Student Art Exhibition at Austin Community College. Multiple of her ceramic artworks have been
nominated for various awards including the 2023 Texas Association of Schools of Art Artovation
and the League for Innovation International Student Art.
Diana Sexton is a multimedia artist currently living in Austin, Texas. In addition to her work in
traditional media, Diana is a published author, and co–founder and co–director of the award–
winning film collective Standard Definition Films. Having recently graduated from Austin
Community College with an Associate degree in Studio Art, she is now pursuing her BFA at
Texas State University.
