On Apr. 7, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Language Studies and the Arts, hosted the first annual Spring Gala. This took place from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building gallery and courtyard. The student art show, which happens each Fall and Spring semester, also took place. Here, students, faculty, staff, and alumni enjoyed an afternoon of interactive art games, create-your-own art stations, and a student art show and competition.
Jennifer Orendorf, administrator of events and special programs in the department of arts and sciences, said that: “The School of Arts and Sciences had a bigger vision for this year’s show. We had hoped to make the arts more accessible to all students – not just those taking our classes – and allow people to view our Fine Art Building and the work we all do here. We had hoped to have a creative day that allowed stress relief, fun and games and above all expression. In the future, we have any loftier goals of bringing in arts and crafts from the community.”
Martina McKoy, a first year psychology major said: “I had class up until 4 pm, and as soon as they ended, I had to come see all the art they were showcasing. I appreciate seeing all the creativity Saint Leo students have. My favorite part was the performance by the girl group. They definitely did a really good job. I did not even know a group like that existed here on campus, so I was pleasantly surprised.”
Krastanka McBride, who is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts Degree, thoroughly enjoyed decorating her board, which symbolized what art meant to her.
“I feel as if art is anything you can dream, and believe, and anything you are inspired to do. My board is a representation of just that – all my dreams, passions, and aspiration. I love that this Spring Gala allowed students like myself to express themselves using art,” said McBride.
Many students who were not participating in the art competition were seen decorating similar boards, and taking pictures with their various art pieces. Others; however, proudly displayed their work for the competition. The official judge for the competition was Maria Martinez-Drovie, who is a Graduate Enrollment Counselor here at Saint Leo University. Drovie also has a strong background in art which made her well suited for judging. The categories for purposes of judging included: ceramics/sculpture, painting/silk painting, photography, and drawing. There was also an award for overall best in the show.
The winners for each category are listed below:
Ceramics/Sculpture:
First: Marilyn Ceja
Second: Kim Estrada
Third: Kim Estrada
Drawing:
First: Lauren Kilton (black and white charcoal)
Second: Brittany Cristiano (ink)
Third: Daniella Zacarias (graphite)
Painting:
First: Sarah Ellis (acrylic)
Second: Erin Scotti (acrylic)
Third: Orlando Rolim (silk painting)
Photography:
First: Kathryn Rhoden (digital),
Second: Gaelle Batroni (gelatin silver print)
Third: Alexis Carrera (Digital)
The best in show was Gaelle Batroni, who also won second place in the photography category.
An informal visitor’s poll was also done, and this gave, students, faculty, staff, and alumni an opportunity to vote for their favorite and be a part of the judging process. The winners of the different category from this informal poll are below:
Painting – a tie between Marie Umholtz (acrylic) and Marissa Hasara (Batik)
Photography – Brihkel Jaegar
Sculpture – James Sweeney (clay)
Drawing – Jahiedy Vinas (black and white charcoal)
The best in show was Orlando Rolim (Batik). Rolim was most definitely a favorite among the participants in the poll as he won this category by an overwhelming majority.
When asked about the overall success of the event, Orendorf said: “I think that the day was a success. Many participants that I spoke with told me they wished we do it more often or that our seniors were sorry that they wouldn’t have another opportunity because it was their final term.”
The art gala closed with a wonderful musical performance by girl group Soprano Alto Second Soprano (SASS) of Saint Leo University. Becky Trabing, a sophomore and biology major, Jamie Bider, a junior majoring in international hospitality and tourism management, Gabi Court a junior, majoring in social work, Katrina Weicht, a senior computer science major, Amanda Topper, a sophomore communications major, and Jasmine Collins, a senior majoring in psychology blew everyone away with their amazing voices and spectacular talent. It was undoubtedly a wonderful end to the Spring Gala.
More pictures from the event may be seen on Instagram by searching 2016springartgala!
