In March 2026, the TCC Center for Creativity event hall, situated directly on historic Route 66, hosted the Faculty Showcase of the TCC School of Visual and Performing Arts.
TCC hired several young art teachers within the last several years after a marvelous group of very experienced professors retired.
I think it was a wonderful idea to invite the younger generation of teachers to present their work and make statements in various categories, such as painting, printing, jewelry making, pottery, photography, and fabric art.
One of the artworks exhibited was made by Erin Rappleye, assistant professor of art. It is entitled “Sneaky Link.”
Rappleye often creates real jewelry-sized metalworks, such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, rings, etc., that can be characterized as precise pieces with creative compositions and humor. In the case of the “Sneaky Link,” she decided to make a larger piece.
The “Sneaky Link” looks like a belt with a green garden hose on the back and large metal chain links of the same color in the front. Bright pink threads and a buckle contrast with the sage green color in the work. Hand-made three-dimensional flowers and “grasses” add a jewelry-like charm to the composition. Overall, this is one of the best works by Rappleye that I have seen.
Below, there are photos and descriptions of the Rappleye’s and other TCC art teachers’ works, which were presented at the exhibition.
Taylor Painter-Wolfe, adjunct professor of art, works in the rare technique of felt wool and threads. The artist presented three wall hangings, and one of them is named “North Canadian.” The tapestry is multicolored, with an abstract design that evokes a landscape of a blue river and brown land. (Photo by Tatyana Nyborg) 
The adjunct professor of art, Sarah Krueger, brought her stoneware jar, “The Cat Who Got the Creamer,” to the exhibition. It is an unexpected twist to see a tiny cat on the top of the jar. The exaggeration brings laughter. The creamer is natural in size, smooth, and shiny. Someone would want it for their household. But it is not for sale. (Photo by Tatyana Nyborg) 
Cassidy Fryer, assistant professor of art and studio manager, who teaches sculpture at TCC, made “Spare Key#1” and “Spare Key#2” from stained glass. Each key is about a foot long and incorporates a floral design. It is a pleasant surprise to see Fryer displays the skill in working with stained glass, as not many artists choose the complex medium. (Photo by Tatyana Nyborg) 
Tyler Griese, assistant professor of art, showed his oil on canvas painting “Lament.” The artist specializes in portraying the lives of ordinary people with a twist of mystery. A viewer can recognize Griese’s style by the red interior light, which is seen in many of his paintings. The “Lament” tells a story about two young people experiencing a moment of sorrow or sadness. Griese masters the techniques of realism with excellence. (Photo by Tatyana Nyborg) 
The Faculty Showcase of the TCC School of Visual and Performing Arts poster was placed by the entrance door to the Center for Creativity Event Hall. (Photo by Tatyana Nyborg) Erin Rappleye, assistant professor of art, displayed her work “Sneaky Link,” made from a garden hose, hand-fabricated brass and copper, acrylic sheet, powder coat, and cubic zirconia. (Photo by Tatyana Nyborg)
