Semester 1

Arts TRYathlon #1: NextNOW Fest

crocheting (9/9/24, stamp union, 7:30pm)

#visualart

Going to the crocheting workshop gave me a new way to think about making art. I’ve tried different types of art as an Arts Scholar, but crocheting really emphasized taking time to enjoy the experience. As I was crocheting, I felt more calm, almost like I was meditating. Every new pattern I learn and practiced required me to break it down one at a time. Learning it with my friends made the experience more fun and rewarding as we got through every stitch together. It was a bit difficult at first but once we got the hang of it, we started to get more creative. Crocheting taught me how to be patient and reminded me the beauty in a tiny handmade piece of art. I put a lot of care into the small baby blanket that I made, and I am happy that I got the opportunity to learn something new!

Arts TRYathlon #2: Choose Your Own Art-venture

opera performance (10/2/24, online via The Metropolitan Opera, 9:00pm)

#opera#visualperformance

I watched an opera performance online through The Metropolitan Opera website. It was called "La Rondine", an opera by Giacomo Puccini, and the performance was incredible. "La Rondine" was a beautiful story about a woman named Magda, who wanted to find true love and freedom. As the opera went on, she was found between conflicts between her desire for romance and her current life of comfort and stability. While watching, I thought about how this scenario could be applicable to many people, where there is a struggle to balance love and personal choices. From what I remember, this was the first opera I fully watched, so it was a new experience for me. I started to see the different forms of art within this opera, including the music compositions played by the orchestra, background choirs singing their harmonies, the stage art that took a lot of designing time, backstage lighting, and so much more. This experience taught me that art can work together in so many ways to create a masterpiece. I would definitely watch another opera in the future.

Arts TRYathlon #3: Arts Scholars Event

friendship bracelet making (10/9/24, bel air hall, 6:30pm)

#creative#visualart#crafting

Making friendship bracelets is a fun and creative way to express art. It’s more than just tying string together because each bracelet becomes a little piece of art. When you make a bracelet, you pick colors and patterns that remind you of your friend. You might choose their favorite colors or designs that feel special. Some popular patterns include stripes, chevrons, and diamonds. Each one can look really different depending on the colors. Making a friendship bracelet isn’t only about finishing it. It’s about the time and effort you put into it. Each knot and color choice shows the care you’re putting in for your friend. The process can feel calming because of the repeated motions and the nice rhythm you get into. It’s also enjoyable to make bracelets with friends where you can chat, help each other, and learn new designs together. Friendship bracelets aren’t just jewelry. They’re small gifts that show friends you care about them. Each bracelet ends up being unique which makes it a special reminder of your friendship. Every bracelet tells its own story which makes it a simple but meaningful way to connect with others.

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