The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Art students display their talent at Student Organization Fair

Art students weathered rain Monday afternoon, as organizations from the School of Art and Design gathered for the school's first Student Organization Fair.

Peter Chametsky, associate professor of art history, said the fair was planned to coincide with the University's open house and was held for new students to become familiar with different organizations.

He also said it gives existing students a chance to mingle, since they are normally dispersed throughout campus.

"It's an opportunity to get people together from the different areas," Chametsky said. "And let people from all different areas interact with each other and create some creative energy and interchange."

Rob Morrison, a senior studying printmaking, took part in the League of Art and Design's activities. He said the group holds various events throughout the year including a Halloween event and Love at the Glove, the annual Valentine's Day art show at the Glove Factory in Carbondale.

"We're just trying to open the art world up a little bit more," Morrison said.

Attendants of the event were able to have a free portrait drawn by Luke Dickerson, a junior studying painting. Using vine charcoal, Dickerson quickly sketched spectator's faces. "Everyone has come out to get their portrait," Dickerson said. "It's been a lot of fun."

Ryan Roth, a high school senior from Taylorsville, Ill, and his mother, Diana, came to the school's open house to check out the graphic design and advertising departments.

Even though they ended up standing in the rain for most of their tour of campus, they enjoyed the good attitudes and helpfulness of students and faculty.

"It's nice they have all this out," Diana Roth said. "Everyone's been friendly and informative."

Bethany Benson, a first year graduate student in ceramics, sat on a gallon bucket and demonstrated her skill at throwing clay. Benson said she enjoyed the event because she normally does not get the chance to throw outside.

Benson and Dyan Green, a second year graduate student in ceramics, were at the event representing Southern Clayworks.

Green said her group did have some setbacks they blamed on the rain. A large clay piece that was constructed by one of the students collapsed.

"Clay doesn't hold up in water," Green said.

Green demonstrated coil building by making a teakettle, and described the close-knit family the art students have with each other.

"Everyone I know not in art, I met outside of academics," Green said. "I usually only interact with art students."

One of the bigger displays set out on the lawn was by the Southern Illinois Metals/Blacksmithing.

"Raising is taking a flat piece of copper and bringing it into form," said Rick Smith, associate professor of metalsmithing and blacksmithing. "It's an old technique."

Smith said blacksmithing is a fun and time-honored craft, but can be expensive. Part of the groups work is to raise money to help subsidize the cost.

Chametsky said that considering this was the first time for the event, he thought it was a success, and he hopes to build on it in future years.

 

 

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