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Students in the commons were exposed to the arts in ways they otherwise might not be with this week’s Art Festival.
From fashion shows and dance improvisations to jazz performances and painting workshops, the festival covered a large variety of art.
Today, a sneak peek of the production “Urinetown” will be at 12:30 p.m. in the food court.
“This year we decided to include as many forms of art as we could,” said Matthew Weibler, Idaho Commons and Union Board Chair and event organizer.
He said the plans for this year centered on a bigger art week that was broader and included a bigger diversity of art.
“A lot of people want to get exposure to a lot of different things and an education beyond where their career will be,” Weibler said.
Weibler, a senior finance major, said that seeing the art the University of Idaho has to offer in this festival is something he might not have been aware of considering his major.
“I get something out of art,” Weibler said.
Wednesday afternoon, UI dance instructor Mary Heller took her advanced modern dance class to the Commons to perform dance improvisations.
Heller said all the dance students were doing was improvising, but certain parameters, such as keeping eye contact and varying between quick and slow movements, gave the dance some structure.
Amy Dexter, a junior dance major, said exposing students to art is important to help them find a way to express themselves.
“Visual arts keep your mind up-to-date,” Dexter said.
Dexter said that reactions of students walking by would probably not be too drastic because the campus is liberal.
“Hopefully people will get interested and watch,” Dexter said.
Heller said art forms are particularly important today.
“There is this capitalist drive that success is monetary,” Heller said.
Heller said that art is what matters.
“Art is reconnecting with the human species,” Heller said.
Monday opened with jazz and other musical groups performing in the food court.
A fashion show graced the Commons on Wednesday followed by dancing improvisation and a student film screening, providing students opportunities to show off their talents and a chance to promote their hard work.
Students were given a chance to participate in classes they might not normally sign up for at a drawing class and painting workshop held on Thursday.
Artwork lines the lower level hallway connecting the Commons and the Teaching and Learning Center.
“I am impressed by the level of art on display,” Weibler said, “… and I am just blown away by how talented our students are.”
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