Semester 3

Arts TRYathlon #1: Choose Your Own Adventure 

September 15th, 2024, Bel Air Lounge, Cyanotype Printing

#natureart #outside #crafts #printing

On September 15th, I learned a new type of printing method called cyanotype printing. In cyanotype printing, an iron salt solution is used to make prints that become visible when exposed to ultraviolet light. We used leaves, flowers, and an assortment of other plants to create unique designs on top of the paper. The results were stunning, with the prints taking on a beautiful cyan blue color. It is my hope that I will be able to use this printing technique again in the future since it is another means of preserving plants when I do not have time to press them into books. I have messed around with other printing methods, like lithography, but cyanotype was a much simpler method and it was really fun. These craft and chat sessions have built upon one another in terms of learning and trying new things. The beauty of this program is that I have been exposed to various new art forms and have been forced to take breaks from my normal school work to explore my interest in art further. In addition, the program has taught me that art is not just for me, the person who makes it, but that it can have an impact on others as well. Thus, whenever I make pieces during these craft and chat sessions, I always make them for my friends to enjoy as well. 

Arts TRYathlon #2: Choose Your Own Adventure

September 27th, 2024, Dekelboum Concert Hall, 2024-25 Arts & Humanities Dean's Lecture Series Featuring Kermit the Frog

#interview #kermit #music

The Dean of ARHU, Stephanie Shonekan, talked about her story of growing up watching the Muppet Show and Sesame Street in Nigeria. How she learned her ABC’s and 123’s from these shows, but that she remembered Kermit the frog the most. She also commented on how impactful the song “It’s Not Easy Being Green” by Joe Raposo. Raposo was a Portuguese immigrant and the song is about the difficulty of finding yourself in the world and learning to be comfortable with who you are. The last line being hopeful and hard-hitting,“I'm green and it'll do fine, It's beautiful, and I think it's what I want to be.” This reminds me of the discussion that I have had during art scholars about creating my capstone and the audience that I am trying to target. This song about a frog being green can have a great effect on children, like Stephanie Shonekan, because its message is very relatable and inspirational. I hope to keep this in mind as I continue to develop my capstone and how I can better create my piece for the audience that I am making it for. 

The rest of the night was very fun. Kermit had a Q&A and my friend got to ask a question. He also sang “Rainbow Connection” and the audience got to sing along. It was an amazing experience!

Arts TRYathlon #3: Arts Scholars Event

November 3rd, 2024, CSPAC Gildenhorn Recital Hall/Twitch, Small Ensemble Concert 

#Orchastra #Concert #Videogames

For my last TRYathlon, I attended the Gamer Symphony Orchestra’s Small Ensemble Concert. I originally planned to attend in person, but the tickets sold out very quickly so I attended the virtual viewing through Twitch. The concert included a number of well-known pieces taken from video games, such as Mario Kart, Minecraft, and Zelda. The virtual concert atmosphere was vibrant and engaging. The audience that was in-person and virtual shared their enthusiasm and appreciation for the music in real-time, creating a sense of community among viewers. The high-quality streaming and clear sound made it feel as though you were right there with the musicians, fully immersed in the experience. I was glad to be able to support my friends who are also members of the Gamer Symphony Orchestra, despite the fact that I was not there in person. This made me think about how important community and support are when it comes to the arts. The ability to support artists through more accessible forms was something that was discussed in my IMDM150 major class. Technology has enabled artists to continue to create and share their work, even when they're not together in person. This has given us the ability to feel connected and create meaningful experiences even when we're not physically together.