ArtWalk, a walk to remember

Art takes many forms. The days of oil painting and stone sculpting have subsided, and a wave of mixed-media artists has moved to the forefront of art, embracing untapped convergences in form and style that defy the strict use of art tools.

Artistic students are turning passion for artwork into the first of its kind “ArtWalk,” where anyone can enjoy large-scale art installations and live performances on campus. 

For tonight only, the guided tour starts at 7 in the Centre Gallery on the second floor of the Marshall Student Center. 

From there, attendees will embark on a journey across campus to watch performers and installations blend seamlessly into a truly original spectacle.

“ArtWalk is constructed with the focal point being three installations that philosophically represents motion that ties it to the performance arts,” said Eli Ponder-Twardy, the president of the College of the Arts Council.

The exhibit combines physical infrastructure and art installations with performing arts. Ponder-Twardy said the result is simply beautiful.

One installation called “Hilltop” invites students to sit upon slotted wooden grids shaped like small hills. They are designed to be adjustable and portable for any situation in which a person may want to sit on his or her very own mound.

Another work called “Canopy” is installed among trees using cables. Layers of open space and small mirrors reflect the individual looking underneath, while keeping the nature surrounding the viewer in perspective.

“Lightpath” uses small, flexible light poles to trace a path through the darkness. The varying heights of the poles create interesting patterns from multiple viewing angles.

The School of Architecture and Community Design also had a hand in the exhibit. One student built architecture installations that embrace motion, allowing people to use the force of motion to interact with the art pieces.

“Like going on something, being on top of something, being inside of something, going through something, some type of movement,” Ponder-Twardy said. “Dance is also about motion and could be incorporated with her installation.”

Members from the schools of music, theater and dance will all interact with her installations today.

“I wanted to create as many arts and performances collaborations between the different schools in the College of Arts as possible,” Ponder-Twardy said. “My goal was … one festival where everyone had an equal share in the art that was presented.”

The College of Engineering also collaborated with Ponder-Twardy to help build the festival itself, as well as working with Tina Piracci, a visual arts major, to create “Transcription” — what Ponder-Twardy describes as a “laser harp sculpture.”

“(ArtWalk) creates some intrinsically rewarding and beautiful art for students to come experience and enjoy,” Ponder-Twardy said. “They will see the full spectrum of what arts have to offer, virtually all mediums. I’m interested in getting the students more interested in arts, and the only way I know how to do that is to bring it to them.”