Semester 4

Arts TRYathlon #1: Katsucon

2/13/2026 - 2/15/2026

#visualart, #cosplay, #convention, #smallartists, #jewelry, #digitalart, #everythinginbetween

Katsucon is and will always be such a phenomenal experience! I think Katsucon, which is an anime/gaming convention, is such an amazing example of how people's skills and majors can add onto art and the creativity within the subjects we are interested in and passionate about. I saw such a variety while going through Artist Alley, which is a specific large ballroom used for small artists to set up shops next to each other and sell to convention goers. People were all dressed up, using different skills from 3D printing to sewing to create costumes reminiscent of their favorite characters. I think it shows how art is in just about everything we consume - from games, to shows, to the pins or hair sticks we wear! I participated this year for the first time by dressing up as one of my favorite characters and I really learned the hard way just how difficult a new art form can be, even if it looks easy from an outside perspective (you can see just how frizzy my wig is despite all the hours I put into making it look right). This is something I think we all learn in Art scholars; you can't judge an art form based on first impression, since there's so much nuance that goes into each and every different way of art.

Arts TRYathlon #2: Culinary Project

2/28/2026-3/13/2026 - Series of Culinary projects inspired by "Culinary Class Wars", a visit to an Indonesian Market, and a culinary club meeting

#cooking, #baking, #culinary, #presentation, #chemistry

This event really challenged me to step out of my comfort zone because I have never really cooked or baked seriously in my life. I was someone who never had prior experience, with all my knowledge ending at cutting ingredients. When I decided to pursue this project after seeing the value of the culinary world and how it acts as not only a tool to feed people, but an expression of each chef, I was hoping to challenge myself in a way I haven't before. During this process, I found out just how hard cooking is. There's such a small balance between palates and flavors where just a little extra of one ingredient can overpower a dish. There's such structure within a dish where the presentation can make or break it, Before watching Culinary Class Wars and trying it myself, I never really paid any mind to the presentation or particular taste. But by pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I explored and I learned so much about cooking. Now, I'm much more appreciative whenever I try a new cuisine or restaurant. I inspect, take photos, and really savor the dishes. I think stepping your foot into the culinary world, at least once, is such an important experience that everyone should try! There are so many different categories within the culinary field, such as baking vs cooking, that there's bound to be one that you'll enjoy. I personally enjoy baking much more than cooking just because it can last a lot longer and I can tolerate the dish for longer. I attached two photos of dishes I have made versus one photo from a restaurant just to highlight the stark contrast between presentation. Of course, there are a lot of factors playing into how and why we would plate these dishes differently, but it's just amazing to see professional work and their techniques.

Arts TRYathlon #3: Maker Mixer

3/12/2026 - Forever Flowers w/ Val, Bel Air Lounge

#flowers, #paper, #pipecleaners, #handmadeflowers

This maker mixer was one of the most fun events I have gone to at UMD, and I believe it's due to the community created by Arts Scholars. Through the countless events and classes shared with my peers in Arts Scholars, I felt extremely welcomed by Val and the others around me and it ended up being one of the few events I have fully enjoyed myself at due to the effort I've put in this semester to connect more with my peers. Val, who guided the maker mixer, was extremely friendly and rushed around the room back and forth to help me and others struggling through. It was relaxing and fun chatting with her and others around me, showing just how art can bring people together. Not only this, but while making the flowers, I thought about who I could give them to. Flowers have always been a symbolic gift in society and the idea of "forever flowers" that not only are more easily transportable, but will also surpass the lifespan of natural flowers makes them a perfect gift for a loved one. Not only was this event building community within the people that attended, but it provoked thought of people important in my life and the communities I attend.

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