Semester 1

Arts TRYathlon #1: NextNOW

Event Logistics  (9/5, The Clarice, NextNOW Fest: My Neighbor Totoro)

#Film

Seeing My Neighbor Totoro in theaters cemented my belief that art can be multidisciplinary, and exist in many forms within one work.  My Neighbor Totoro is a defining example of this: using animation, sound design, and music to present a simple story as a cohesive work of art. While these art forms worked seamlessly together to add to the overall movie experience, they also exist as individual examples of the story’s messaging. Elements within the film, namely the style of animation and “cartoonish” design of characters, portrays a feeling of whimsy and adventure that fits with the story’s overall theme: the strength of familial bonds and simple joy of childhood.

Seeing this film in an eventful, public setting also added to my experience, as the audience’s collective reaction to characters’ actions within the film added a level of reality to their emotion. Seeing the audience gasp at dramatic moments and laugh at more lighthearted elements created another level of depth to the movie’s already swaying story.

Overall, the showing of My Neighbor Totoro let me realize the more artistic side to the film, and allowed me to experience it in a new light–  together with an audience equally as devoted to the deeper meaning of the film.

Arts TRYathlon #2: Choose Your Own Adventure

Event Logistics  Flower Jars Craft and Chat, 10/02/24

#artsandcrafts #nature

Attending the Flower Jars craft event was a great way to have fun in the arts while getting to know others in Bel Air Hall. The craft itself was something that I had never tried before - using real natural elements in an activity that ended with a great decoration for my dorm window. As shown in the photo above, the decorated jar was made by pasting dried flowers to the outer walls of a simple glass storage jar, while arranging them in different patterns and color schemes. It was a great way to make an ordinary object pop, and add a little bit of color to my room.

Before the activity, I had a limited expectation of how "artistic" a simple craft like this could be. However, as I arranged my flowers and elements around and experimented with colors and patterns, I was surprised at how difficult it was to find an arrangement I was happy with. To me, the craft had clearly become an expression of my artistic preferences in color, texture, and design. Having attended multiple craft and chat events now, I can easily say that they are a great way to explore the arts from a nontraditional lens, and make great friends along the way.

Arts TRYathlon #3: Arts Scholars Event

Event Logistics  Magic with Mehndi, 10/24/24

#henna #mehndi #culture

At the Magic with Mehndi craft and chat, I had a great time learning about art through the lens of culture and tradition, and learning about an art form I was not all too familiar with. TA Nivi did a great job teaching the group about the traditions behind mehndi and henna designs, and the significance of different types of henna art. This experience allowed me to connect concepts from the Arts Scholars colloquium, particularly the role of art in shaping and reflecting cultural identity, to a hands-on, tactile experience.

Throughout the event, we learned how mehndi designs are often tied to significant life events, such as weddings and festivals, and the intentionality behind each symbol, - flowers representing joy or vines symbolizing longevity. By learning about the connections between traditional art and community, I gained a better respect for how art bridges generations and fosters a sense of belonging across cultures.

Creating mehndi designs also stressed the importance of process over product—and using stencils made the activity accessible to anyone, despite their level of artistic skill. It reminded me that artistic value lies not only in the final image but in the mindfulness, precision, and intentionality behind its creation. Overall, participating in this event gave me an understanding for how traditional art forms like mehndi hold a unique place within both individual expression and communal identity, and form important bonds across cultures.