CSUDH News

The primary source of news and information about California State University, Dominguez Hills, its students, faculty, and staff.

Press Releases

Devon Tsuno Selected for Metro Station Art Installation

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Art and Design Assistant Professor Devon Tsuno
Devon Tsuno sits in his uncle’s garden. – Photo by Elon Schoenholz

Artwork by California State University, Dominguez Hills Assistant Professor of Art Devon Tsuno will soon become part of the greater Los Angeles region’s rich history of public art projects.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) recently named Tsuno among 17 artists chosen to create site-specific, integrated artworks for four stations along its Purple Line (D Line) Extension Sections 2 and 3.

“I think that having grown up in L.A. and being the fourth generation of my family in Los Angeles, it’s amazing to create something that’s permanent, that’s reflective of those multiple generations of my family,” said Tsuno of the opportunity.

Tsuno will design an installation as part of the Wilshire/Rodeo Station, which is currently under construction and slated to open in 2025. He is eager to bring his concept to life, and while he cannot reveal yet what it will be, he did say this project will reflect themes that are woven throughout his artwork.

Tsuno works primarily with spray paint and acrylic to create abstract landscape paintings, prints, and large-scale installations that are deeply rooted in family history, the Japanese American experience, and Los Angeles’ natural environment. His works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, at the Hammer Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art, U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, and Gallery Lara in Tokyo, among others.

Being selected by Metro for this project holds not only professional, but personal significance for Tsuno.

“Mobility was a barrier for me growing up in the busing program in the Los Angeles Unified School District,” Tsuno explained. “So having a presence of my work in the Metro system is awesome, and the extension of that line is great because it will really improve mobility for mostly working-class folks.”

Moreover, Tsuno’s grandfather was a gardener in Los Angeles and served clients in Beverly Hills, not far from the future Wilshire/Rodeo Station. Tsuno’s uncle later joined him in the business. He said having his artwork installed at that location further ties his family’s history to the area.

“I’ve always been proud of my family’s work in this community and am excited to have the opportunity to continue that labor as an artist,” Tsuno said.

For more information about the Metro Art project for the Purple Line Extension, visit the online announcement.

CSUDH Launches New Japan Jobs Training Program

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Government, business, and university officials
President Parham shakes hands with Consul General of Japan Akira Muto.

On May 9, California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles convened with Japanese industry and community representatives to announce the Japan Jobs Training Program, a new academic-industry partnership which promises to bolster Southern California’s workforce and provide hands-on learning opportunities for CSUDH students.

Group tour
Dr. Kamal Hamdan gives a tour of the Toyota Center for Innovation in STEM Education.

The new program will be co-hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, Japan Business Association of Southern California, and the Los Angeles Urban League. The CSUDH College of Business Administration and Public Policy will work with Japanese companies to establish special internships and micro-internships for students, company site visits, guest lecture series, and curriculum development tailored to industry needs.

CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham said that the university “cannot do what we do” without strategic partnerships with businesses, as they help to prepare students for their post-graduation careers and provide unique practical learning experiences. He added, “we pride ourselves of not just being in the community, but of the community.”

Consul General Akira Muto also spoke, echoing Parham’s sentiments about the need for mutuality. He referenced the strong ties between the U.S. and Japan, noting that Japan is the largest source of foreign direct investment in California. As such, Japanese companies are not only committed to upskilling the state’s workforce, but also invested in uplifting communities.

“We hope by increasing opportunities for underserved communities in the region, that it will help communities to unite,” Muto said. “This program is our humble contribution to these efforts.”

CSUDH Presents “Content: 2022″ Senior Studio Art Exhibition

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Content: 2022 Senior Art Exhibition

Content: 2022 Senior Studio Art Exhibition, featuring works by 22 graduating art majors from CSUDH, will be on view at The Mistake Room in Los Angeles from May 16 to 21.

An opening reception will take place on Sunday, May 15 from 3-6 p.m.

“It is an incredible honor to partner with The Mistake Room for this year’s student exhibition,” says Assistant Professor of Art and Design Devon Tsuno. “Facilitating the public presentation of their work in a professional space demonstrates to the grads that they are already part of the art community and their ideas, research, and artwork are important. Seeing their work in a cultural institution that aligns with our university’s mission is a meaningful transition to their careers after CSUDH.”

Graduating artists featured in the exhibition include: gene aguilar magaña, Raymond Anaya, Gregorio Bravo, Bridget DeLee, Jessica Duran, Vanessa Estevez, Veronica Gonzalez, Alfredo Gutierrez, Rebecca Huerta, Jono Madison, Rocio Magadan, Shelley Nelson, Paris Orozco, Ann Pickard, Emily Plasencia, Ree Quijano, Juan Rosillo, Mary Spencer, Alyssia Strasser, Jane Gainer-Talbott, Gabriella Valdez, and Allesa Willis.

As part of the Art and Design Department’s curriculum, each student is required to exhibit a selection of work produced during their studies at the university. “Content” is the culmination of those efforts.

The Mistake Room will be open from Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. throughout the presentation of “Content: 2022.” The gallery is located at 1811 E. 20th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058. Street parking is available. More information about The Mistake Room is available at www.tmr.la.

Please note that all visitors 12 years of age or older must show proof of vaccination and photo ID for admission or present a negative COVID-19 test conducted 48 hours prior to visiting.

The Senior Studio Art Exhibition is sponsored by the CSUDH College of Arts and Humanities, the University Art Gallery, and the Instructionally Related Activities Committee of the Associated Students Inc., at CSUDH. It is also made possible by the generous in-kind donation of The Mistake Room.

CSUDH Presents “Lemniscate” Dance Concert

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Lemniscate: A student dance concert

What:               “Lemniscate” Dance Concert at the CSUDH University Theatre
When:              Wednesday through Saturday, May 4, 5, and 6 at 7 p.m. and May 7 at 2 p.m.
Tickets:            Livestream tickets or live audience tickets are $10 for students and $18 for general admission. To reserve a ticket, visit www.csudh.edu/theatre-arts/buy-tickets/
Contact:           Call the CSUDH Performing Arts Department at (310) 243-3589, or email at PerformingArts@csudh.edu.
Note:                This show features adult themes.

The CSUDH Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Lemniscate,” a student-choreographed dance concert with artistic direction by Amy Michele Allen. Performances are on the University Theatre stage May 4 through May 6 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance May 7 at 2 p.m. The concert will also be livestreamed.

Senior choreographers Alyssa Casas, Kristal Duran, Britney Ewing, Evelyn Javana, Zi Liang, Asia Quick, and Kailey Tomas will reflect on their educational journeys at CSUDH and present their senior projects during the concert. Each student’s journey has a unique origin that leads to a unique destination. Just like the curves of a lemniscate, both origin and destination converge at the center—creating a place for a fateful meeting—before traversing onward.

“Lemniscate” also features additional choreography by undergraduate students Keeley Himes and Bayardo Rodriguez, Jr., along with CSUDH alumna Kai Crowe.

Tickets to “Lemniscate” are $10 for students and $18 for General Admission. Tickets may be purchased for either in-person or livestream experience at www.csudh.edu/theatre/tickets. Note: This show features adult themes.

In-person performances will take place in the University Theatre, located on the CSUDH campus, 1000 E. Victoria St. For driving directions and a map of campus, visit www.csudh.edu/directions. Parking permits are $9 and may be purchased at kiosks in each lot.

Please note: All in-person performances are presented on the condition of current public health orders and may be canceled or offered virtually only. In-person audience members will be required to follow COVID-19 protocols, including wearing face coverings at all times.

For more information, call (310) 243-3589, or email PerformingArts@csudh.edu.

Dymally Institute Hosts International Jazz Festival April 30

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flyer for Dymally Jazz Festival, April 30, 2022. Festival logo, list of performers, headliners David Sanborn and Poncho Sanchez headshotsLegendary jazz artists Poncho Sanchez and David Sanborn will headline the third annual Dymally International Jazz & Arts Festival on International Jazz Day—Saturday, April 30. Presented by the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute and Rainbow Productions, the festival will take place on the CSUDH campus at the Dignity Health Sports Park Tennis Stadium beginning at 2 p.m. (gates open at 1 p.m.).

“We are thrilled to share our internationalist mission through cultural art at a time when the world desperately needs solidarity,” said Anthony Asadullah Samad, executive director of the Dymally Institute. “The past two years have been physically and emotionally devastating. The city deserves the joy that comes from melodies that speak to the soul. We are using music and art to promote higher education thought.”

The afternoon promises an eclectic mix of jazz, reggae, and spoken word on two stages, plus vendors and a world-class arts pavilion. In addition to Sanchez and Sanborn, musical performers include The Original Wailers, Avery Sunshine, Kirk Whalum with special guest Kevin Whalum, Keyon Harrold, the Fernando Pullum Junior Jazz Band, and more.

A signature event of the Dymally Institute, the festival supports the organization’s mission to develop the next generation of political and community leaders who will advocate for systematic change to combat inequality. With the goal of using music, arts and culture for creating pathways to success for African American families across the nation, the Institute is located at CSUDH and prepares students to examine political and economic structures that impact the Black community and other marginalized groups.

All proceeds benefit the Dymally Fellows Program, the Sisters United Mentoring and Leadership Program, and the Presidential Scholars at CSUDH.

Tickets are available through the Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office, via axs.com, or by calling 888-9AXS-TIX (888-929-7849).

For more information, call the Dymally Institute at (310) 243-2204.

Dignity Health Sports Park Tennis Stadium, 18400 S. Avalon Blvd. is located on the CSUDH campus in Carson.