“Oculus”—the large black letters appeared to float in midair near the middle of the room. Music that could be something out of a science-fiction movie played through loud speakers as spectators carrying beverages and plates of food weaved in, out and around exhibits at the opening reception for Oculus—the 19th Annual Design and Industry Student Exhibition. The successful reception, which drew a large crowd, took place in Jack Adams Hall May 14

“I thought it was very impressive. There was just so much variety. It’s nice to see the same project reinterpreted by many different people,” Jeff Springer said. Springer was invited by a friend who had worked on a display.

The exhibit, which opened one day behind schedule, was put together by students from the
Presentations and Exhibits class. It showcased work from students across the design and industry department, over 100 students in all, according to Cat Curran, a presentations and exhibits student.

Original posters, with messages on topics anywhere from The Exploratorium to Chernobyl decorated the walls. The exhibits that filled the room included a wide array of student work that included original furniture, magazines, a computer-interface-remote-control car and much more.

“Its up to the faculty to choose what work from their classes they’d like to incorporate in the show,” said Christopher Reynolds. Reynolds, who exhibited his work at last years show, was a part of this year’s Presentations and Exhibits class.

Early on in the semester, there was a real possibility that Oculus wouldn’t happen. The original instructor of the Presentations and Exhibits class fell ill and took a sudden leave of absence. Robert Natata stepped in and saved the day.

“None of this would have been possible without him. He actually came in the middle of this and really just took charge and made it happen,” Springer said of Natata.

Natata, a Bay Area native, said he was happy to do it despite the three other classes he instructed. Natata is close friends of Ricardo Gomez, the Design and Industry department chair.

“I’m only a lecturer, but I know Ricardo really well so whatever I can do to help Ricardo, I try to do,” Natata said. Gomez is the original brain behind the annual department exhibit, according to Natata. This is Natata’s second time teaching the class. His last time was four years ago. He has been lecturing at SF State since he was a graduate student in the early 1990’s, he said.

Natata thanked his students publicly in a brief ceremony that included the awarding of appreciation certificates.

“They’re a very strong group,” Natata said of his class.

The Oculus exhibition can be viewed in Jack Adams Hall through Friday, May 16. The hall will be open 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on May 15 and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on May 16.