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PAGE 2 June 2026
Art Show at GSCC After three years of artistic exploration, reflection and creation, internationally influenced mixed-media artist Nanda Patel will debut her newest exhibition, Karmic Circles, at the Meadows Art Gallery on the Wallace Drive campus of Gadsden State Community College from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The exhibition features 17 original works and invites viewers on an immersive journey through themes of spirituality, identity, displacement, healing and the shared human experience. Opening this season at Meadows Art Gallery, Karmic Circles represents one of Patel’s most personal and ambitious collections to date. Born in Kenya to British Indian parents and shaped by life experiences living in India, London and the United States, Patel’s work reflects a richly layered multicultural identity. Her mixed-media pieces incorporate acrylics, oils, watercolor and heirloom Indian saris woven directly into her canvases. According to her artist statement, “These layered cultural experiences – Kenyan, Indian, British, and American – form the foundation of my artistic practice.” "Karmic Circles is a series of artworks that delves into the age-old understanding of good karma, Atma, and the journey on earth to Bramand,” Patel said. “Three artworks on the wall depict the journey of a soul. These works are created with saris, acrylics, and canvas. The six disks, painted on both sides, represent the good karmas we are called to follow. The work is done on Indian dancing skirts and canvas. Enjoy the journey." The collection explores the Hindu concept of Atma, or soul, as well as karmic responsibility and human interconnectedness. One featured piece, Circles of Life, portrays “duties in the form of a circle” that “float away as soon as duties are completed.” Another centerpiece, The Atma, combines acrylics, fabric and embellishments to symbolize spirituality, karma and transcendence. Patel’s portfolio notes that the exhibition emerged from years of artistic development and introspection following a transformative mentorship and artistic internship in Gadsden. Her work frequently examines themes of displacement, diversity, nonviolence and healing through deeply personal visual narratives. Mario Gallardo, division chair of Fine Arts at Gadsden State praised Patel’s artistic voice and the significance of the exhibition. “Nanda’s work is visually striking, but more importantly, it carries extraordinary depth and humanity,” Gallardo said. “Her ability to merge cultural history, spirituality and personal storytelling through mixed media creates an experience that resonates across backgrounds and generations. Meadows Art Gallery is honored to host this remarkable exhibition.” Patel has exhibited throughout Alabama for more than a decade, including previous solo exhibitions such as East-West: My Journey, The Lady in a Sari: The Art of the Sari and Nanda’s Journey. Her portfolio currently includes approximately 95 works created between 1983 and 2026. “It is an honor to exhibit a local artist at Gadsden State and to have the opportunity to invite the public to experience art of this magnitude, free of charge,” Gallardo said. In addition to exhibiting and teaching art, Patel also hosts cultural “Sari Experiences” at Gallery at 808, where she shares the history, symbolism and artistry of heirloom saris dating from 1949 to the present. Patel is a Gadsden-based ethnic folk and mixed- media artist whose work explores spirituality, identity, displacement and healing through multicultural perspectives and layered artistic techniques. Her art incorporates paint, collage, textiles and heirloom fabrics to create immersive visual narratives inspired by lived experience across four cultures. The exhibition reception is free and open to the public. Guests may attend at any time during the come- and-go reception. For exhibit information or artist inquiries, contact Nanda Patel, owner of Gallery at 808, at (205) 919-4780.
Gadsden State Community College recognized six students as they signed employment contracts as part of the Registered Nursing Apprenticeship Program. The signing event took place May 8 at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus. During the apprenticeship, students will have the opportunity to strengthen and expand their clinical skills while gaining valuable hands- on experience in the healthcare field. The program allows nursing students to attend classes and labs while working two to three days each week with a registered employer. As apprentices complete required training milestones, they earn a progressive wage that reflects their advancing knowledge and skill development. Additionally, the apprentices help meet the high demand for nurses across Alabama. Alabama is facing a critical nursing shortage, with a projected shortfall of 14,000 nurses by 2027, ranking among the top eight highest shortages nationwide. The student apprentices recruited and employed by Gadsden Regional are Macy Cash, Alexandra Hodges, Jamaya Pierce, and Aravia Taylor. Rehab Select in Albertville has hired Diserae Hancock and Timberli Turner. Submitted Photo Gadsden State Students recognized for completing Healthcare training programs and earning Certifications
The Gadsden State Community College Skills Training Division recognized students who successfully completed training in Phlebotomy, Nursing Support Technician and Advanced Nursing Assistant with Phlebotomy, during a pinning ceremony held on May 5, 2026, in the Advanced Manufacturing Center on the East Broad Campus. The Phlebotomy program is a six-week course designed to prepare students for entry into the healthcare field. In addition to phlebotomy training, students have the opportunity to earn a Nursing Support Technician certification at no additional cost. The 11-week Advanced Nursing Assistant Program is designed to meet the growing demands of the community’s healthcare system. The program prepares students to provide routine nursing-related services, including phlebotomy, for patients in hospitals and long- term care facilities. Emma Bryant of Gadsden successfully completed the Phlebotomy program and passed the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam. Stacey Roach of Centre successfully completed the Phlebotomy and Nursing Support Tech program and passed both the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam and the Nursing Support Technician exam. Students who successfully completed the Advanced Nursing Assistant program and passed the certification
exam are Phillip Harris, Isabella Luse, and Ragan Madrie. Students who successfully completed the Advanced Nursing Assistant/Phlebotomy program are Kelsey Beeman of Rainbow City; Erikka Card, Johnice Johnson and Kiya Ransaw, all of Gadsden; Crystal Looney of Ashville; and Whitney Ragland of Anniston. Students who also passed the Certified Nursing Assistant exam are Kelsey Beeman, Johnice Johnson, Crystal Looney, Whitney Ragland, and Kiya Ransaw. Students completing these programs will now advance into the workforce, additional training programs and career pathways that will further expand their opportunities in the healthcare industry. “These students have demonstrated commitment, professionalism, and determination throughout their training,” said Baisha Woody, director of Skills Training. “Their accomplishments represent an important step toward strengthening the healthcare workforce in our communities.” For more information on the programs offered through Gadsden State’s Skills Training Division contact Baisha Woody, director of Skills Training, at bwoody@gadsdenstate.edu. Additionally information can be found online at www.gadsdenstate.edu/skills-training.
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