Semester 3

Arts TRYathlon #1: Choose Your Own Art-Venture!

September 6, 2024 at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Dance Theater

NextNOW Fest: NextDANCE #dance

UMD's NextNOW Fest is amazing. When I saw that they had a dance performance, I knew I had to go. I grew up as a dancer, and even considered majoring in it. When I made the decision not to, which was the right decision for me, I missed it dearly. I began to see shows, and take non-major classes. I also took DANC200 as a scholars supporting course, where I learned the history behind different forms of dance. I was able to make connections when watching from that class! I loved seeing my dance class peers perform in this show! I was really fascinated by how they solidified their movement, rather than the experimentation we do in class. I haven't performed in so long that I forgot about this process. Each piece was also very moving in terms of themes. It celebrated diversity with a traditional Bollywood routine, something I have never seen before in person and was extremely impressed by, and a routine that clearly depicted the harsh position of a black man living in America. Just like we learn in Art Scholars Colloquium, it is so important for there to be representation in art, and both UMD and NextNOW Fest share these same values when presenting events. I do believe that choreographers can benefit from Issue Mapping! I also want to mention that on my way out, I stumbled upon a stand where a young girl was selling her crochet work. I was so impressed by them that I bought one to support her- and to have a cute crocheted pumpkin on my desk for Fall. It would mean the world to me if someone supported my art (I am a huge crafter) in this same way, and NextNOW Fest provided her an opportunity to showcase her work!

Arts TRYathlon #2: Arts Scholars Event

October 2, 2024 in the Bel Air Lounge

Craft & Chat: Pressed Flower Jars with TA Sophia #crafting

I will forever be grateful to Scholars for getting me into crafting. When I saw this Craft & Chat, I immediately put it in my calendar. I began my love for crafting during my colloquium workshop last Spring, and it has been such an important hobby for me since then. Crafting is meditative to me, and it keeps me off of my phone. I have made numerous gifts for people now as well, which are extra special and from the heart. I crocheted a baby blanket, stitched many t-shirts, and more. I had never used pressed flowers before, but I had worked with modge podge before when I painted sea shells over the summer. I loved using it in a different way! My jar is not sitting on my tv stand, waiting for me to figure out what to fill it with. I believe that crafting is such a good way to spend time. Some may not agree, but in this day and age, anything that keeps us off our phones is crucial. I also love to use my hands in this way. Everyone calls me an 80-year-old woman for loving it so much, but for my sanity, I need moments in my day that keep me creative. It keeps my mind working, and the juices flowing. Overall, this Craft & Chat was awesome, and I loved to see how many new freshmen we have living in Bel Air as well.

Arts TRYathlon #2: Choose Your Own Adventure

October 11, 2024 on Zoom

Career Chat: Art, Humanities & AI #presentation

I attended UMD's Career Center's "Career Chat" with the topic of Art, Humanities, and AI. I heard about this opportunity in Arts Scholars Colloquium when we did the panel discussion. Kate Juhl hosted this event, and I plan to schedule a meeting with her soon to continue my career search in the Art and Writing worlds. I am currently considering adding the Art Leadership Minor. This event was really interesting. It opened my eyes to those who are working to better AI, like the guest speaker. I have always been scared of AI, because I dream of being a writer in some way, but he assured me that 1) creative writing will never die, and 2) even if professional writing is taken over by AI, I could be in an editor role. I am content with that. It did dishearten me, as Professional Writing is my minor, but from merely seeing this former Art Scholar's success, I am looking forward to exploring my options. I will consider looking more into how AI impacts art, and consider using my writing skills in an art management field of some sort. These "Career Chats" are really meaningful, and I intend to look back on the ARHU Archives to listen to previous lectures.

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