Recently, an event honoring the achievements of students in several fields of the art department took place. The Arties are an opportunity for students in film, contemporary art, visual art, photography and journalism to earn awards for their work in the past year.
This year’s winners included Spencer Theobald (Photographer of the Year), Trinity Andrus (Illustrator of the Year), Logan Craine (Best Film), Catherine Nolte (Journalist of the Year) and many others.
Fletcher Lowe and Nate Scheiffer hosted the Arties, accompanied by performances from many of the faculty and staff in the art department. These performances included a cover of “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra. Because this performance relates to the theme of the year “Colors,” it stood out. The Pantone color of the year was classic blue, or, Pantone 19-4052, which the “Mr. Blue Sky” bit represented.
AVL contributed to bringing the show to life, and, because of its professionalism, the show went smoothly. Digital cinema junior and AVL crew member Joe Schultz said that the awards ceremony is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of the art program. “The Arties are an award ceremony for art students and celebration of the art program as a whole,” he said.
Fellow art student and AVL crew member Joey Stout believes that the Arties benefit students in other departments as well. “The awards are not only for the art students,” he said. “It is good for students of other majors because it recognizes the art students and the department as a whole, including their accomplishments. I think that is a really cool opportunity for the art students to gain recognition amongst their peers.”
Schultz said that one of the most important aspects of the awards is that everyone has a good time. “The humor [of the Arties] was very dry, and the highlight was definitely the faculty performing. I didn’t participate in the award part, so I wasn’t really emotionally attached. But it’s really cool to see and celebrate with the students that did,” he said. “The Arties are really cool for the art students, particularly for the first 15 minutes. From my perspective none of the accolades really leave the Arties. In the grand scheme of things, it’s just really a fun thing, not necessarily an accolade.”
Stout also addressed the impact of an event like the Arties on a Christian campus. “I think it puts the gifts and talents that God has given us on display for our reward but, ultimately, for the glory and honor of God,” he said. “Not many think what we in the art departments are doing is directly relating to ministry, but it is. Just like other majors are trying to do here, we are using the things God has gifted us for a ministry unlike other ones, and I am super glad to be a part of it.”
Throughout the show, smiles were shared between students, staff and family alike. The Art Department held an after party in Art West that allowed the students to continue their artistic endeavors by showing off their works even if they were not in the running for awards. Food and snacks were provided, and, ultimately, it was a great night for the art department and all of John Brown University.
Photo: Karina Jansma, The Threefold Advocate