Semester 1

Arts TRYathlon #1: NextNOW

Silent Disc-Glow (09/05/24, The Clarice)

#dance, #art, #music, #fun

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, my mentors, Katie and Elizabeth, from my Art Scholars Program, encouraged everyone to join the silent disco at the NextNow Festival. They told everyone to meet outside the dining hall and walk to The Clarice together. This way, we would be together during the event, have someone to dance with, and just chat beforehand. The evening of this night was very beautiful, with vibrant purple-blue lights to create a festive environment. The place quickly became crowded though and we each all got headphones that let us choose from different types of songs, ranging from early 2000s hit music to modern tracks. It was amazing to see how everyone engaged with the event. Even though each person was listening to their own music, the energy in the air was showing. At first, I worried that the silent disco might feel awkward, but it turned out to be a surprisingly unifying experience for everyone. Despite the different songs, everyone danced and enjoyed themselves together, creating a strong sense of community. This experience connects to what I’ve learned in the Arts Scholars program because it proves how art, whether through music, colorful lights, or the overall environment of the place, can bring people together and create a shared experience. I left feeling inspired to connect with people with a reminder of the importance of community in the arts.

Arts TRYathlon #2: Craft and Chat

Pressed Flower Jars - TA Sophia (10/02/24, Bel Air Lounge)

#art, #flowers, #designs, #craft

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, I asked my friend, Daisy, if she wanted to join me for a Craft and Chat event where we make pressed flower jars. She agreed to go with me for the fun experience and to complete our Arts TRYathlon assignment. When we got to the Bel Air lounge, the TA, Sophia, told us to line up to grab supplies, including Mod Podge and different types of pressed flowers to personalize our clear jars. I chose white and pink flowers, along with green leaves and other small flowers to show my style with the aesthetics of this jar, and I was also able to experiment with the color and texture of these pressed flowers together. This event was not only fun but also connected deeply with what I’ve learned in the Arts Scholars program about crafting art and creativity. We took simple, plain jars and made them into beautiful pieces of art, showing our self-expression for each one. We shared flowers, shared glue, and even washed our paintbrushes for one another, showing how our community is itself. Each person created their own unique jar design. This experience proved the importance of community in the arts because we shared ideas and admired each other's work, I realized how being collaborative can inspire creativity. Seeing the different flower designs also encouraged me to think outside the box and try new things. Overall, this event reminded me that art is not just about creativity or expression but also about the connections we make with others here. It was a great opportunity as my first ever Craft and Chat event.

Arts TRYathlon #3: Craft and Chat

Make the Friendship Bracelets - TA Melody (10/09/24, Bel Air Lounge)

#bracelets, #friends, #fun, #colors

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, I invited my friend Vanessa to join me for my second Craft and Chat event, where we made friendship bracelets. When we arrived at the Bel Air Lounge, we signed in and got handed out cut-up circle cardboard. Our TA, Melody, handed out different colored yarns for us to choose seven, which we tied to the cardboard circle. We then knotted the yarn in a pattern for three rotations to create our designs. We also enjoyed snacks while chatting with friends and others. Although the work was a bit tedious, it was a lot of fun. I loved talking with Vanessa while we crafted our bracelets and exploring the different colors together. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay as long as I hoped since I’m a commuter student and needed to head home before 8 PM. I didn’t finish my bracelet, but I appreciated that I could take it home and continue working on it whenever I wanted. This event connected to what I’ve learned in the Arts Scholars program about art and creativity. It allowed us to relax and express ourselves while being part of a community. Overall, I felt inspired to keep exploring my artistic practice, both on my own and with others, blending fun and creativity while deepening friendships during this event.

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