Nacho Ruiz

Art can — and should — be an arresting form of expression. That's the magic of it for Nacho Ruiz.

"I find that my pieces can instantaneously capture the audience's attention," says Ruiz, a Madras-based student. "It could be because I create art that helps people feel seen and heard. I express myself — I do not hide my emotions."

Earning an art-focused Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree at COCC, Ruiz is also working toward receiving one of the College's first-ever certificates in Illustration, a new program that combines digital painting, vector art and other graphics-based visual communication.

"My career goals are to work on Broadway as a prop master, technician, or as a graphic design artist. Any of those jobs would be my dream, if I am on Broadway," he shares. (Ruiz will soon start a summer job as a prop artist in New York.)

Meantime, Ruiz is a major player in the theater department at Madras High School where he helps as an assistant, and also contributes at COCC by helping organize the College's art show. He serves as the student lead for the College's Art & Design Club, is the attendant for the Art program's computer lab, and is a member of the Latinx Club.

Ruiz's exemplary approach to his work and those around him earned the dean's list student All-Oregon Academic Team recognition in 2023.

"I have been fortunate enough to work with many amazing and talented individuals and COCC is giving me the work experience that I thrive for," he says. "The faculty and staff are always willing to help in any way they can. They have all given me resources to help me stay in school and continue working toward my goals."