Semester 2

Arts TRYathlon #1: Choose Your Own Adventure

Event Logistics (Wednesday, February 12 2024, Cambridge Community Center, Resident Assistant Event, Love Around the World)

#visualart

I participated in an event that my RA hosted called “Love Around the World” where we made friendship bracelets, pipe cleaner flowers, and chocolate covered strawberries. The theme was centered around Valentine’s Day with cute red, white, pink, and love related charms for the bracelets. I spent my time making a friendship bracelet surrounded by my floormates and friends. I think this is a representation of how art can bring people together. As we were sitting making our crafts, we talked for an hour about many different things. Having the time to sit, talk, and enjoy an activity together felt lighthearted. Art comes in many different forms, shapes, and sizes. Visual art specifically can be classified as photography, drawing, crafts, etc. This activity embodied craftsmanship that I would say is a type of art. It showcased the spectrum of how far art ranges from typical art to atypical. It shows that art does not have one distinct definition but multiple interpretations. This event helped me unwind and relax, giving me a sense of peace and tranquility. I believe this shows how art evokes emotions and feelings in an artist. Making the bracelet gave me a safe space to express my creativity. It also made me feel accomplished seeing the final product.

Arts TRYathlon #2: Choose Your Own Adventure

Event Logistics (Friday, February 21, 2025, Kay Theatre, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf)

#theater

On February 21, 2025, I accompanied my friend with her Environment, Technology, and Economy Scholars Program to see the play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf.” The play touched on many dark and heartbreaking stories about oppression such as domestic violence and sexual assault. These stories were told through seven black women dressed in colors of the rainbow. Last semester in Art Scholars we explored the theme of empathy through art. More specifically, we spoke about how art can help us build compassion and empathy. This play evoked many emotions in not just me but in the audience as well. After the play, we had a discussion to talk about what was shocking and how we felt about the play. Many agreed that they were struck by various emotions such as remorse, despair, disappointment, and hurt. Throughout the play I witnessed some people in the audience crying. The play does a fantastic job at highlighting real world issues and bringing awareness to them. Through this play, I became more aware of the oppression that black women face even when least expected. I believe that the play writer connected art to compassion and empathy to reach a wider audience.

Arts TRYathlon #3: Arts Scholars Event

Event Logistics (Thursday, March 26, 2025, Arts Scholars, Bel Air Lounge, Craft and Chat: Paperclip Jewelry)

#visualart

I attended Sophia’s Craft and Chat activity called “Paperclip Jewelry.” We took various paper clips and colorful beads then rearranged them to make jewelry. I attempted to craft a paperclip into a ring and an earring. My friend was able to make a beautiful bracelet matching set. Through this Craft and Chat, I questioned what defines good and bad art and also the broad scope of what art is. We took an object and used it in an unconventional way to make art. At first, I would have never thought I would be able to create art out of paperclips. To me, when I was making the ring, I associated it with “bad” art because it did not evoke any emotion for me, seemed stale, and lacked depth. However, I believed this because of the way I crafted my jewelry with the paperclips. After looking at other people's works and even researching paperclip art works, their art was beautifully crafted and wearable. The definition of art and how to make art is very broad. Taking practical everyday use objects and turning them into artwork is challenging but incredible. It shows the evolution of artwork that continues to change throughout time.

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