On March 29, the University of North Georgia came alive with color, creativity, and exploration during the Gainesville Campus Art Crawl. Attendees were treated to a diverse array of artistic expressions, ranging from painting to printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, textiles and embroidery. The event showcased the dynamic fields of art nurtured within classes offered by UNG. Open to both the public and students, the art crawl provided a unique opportunity to explore some of the classes offered by the arts and technology department.
The real highlight of the Art Crawl was the hands-on experience offered to all participants. Guests were allowed to wander in and out of classrooms with activities that encouraged them to immerse themselves in the creative process and explore different artistic mediums. In one classroom, a professor demonstrated how attendees could create their own buttons using a push-button, a simple switch mechanism. In another studio classroom, a live model and easels were set out for anyone to participate in a live figure drawing.
“The Art Crawl is the first time we hosted an event for students to participate in all of the studios without a commitment to a course. It is hopefully the beginning of something that can grow. I planned it to be an effort to get students in the studios to “walk by and try” art techniques that they may not be familiar with or have considered trying but did not want to commit to the class”- Angel Estrella,
In another classroom, the sculpture and ceramics studio buzzed with activity as attendees gathered around pottery wheels, entranced by their rhythmic spinning. With practiced precision, a professor helped demonstrate the art of centering and coaxing the clay into alignment before shaping it into vessels of beauty and utility. From bowls to vases, each creation bore the imprint of its maker’s vision. The demonstration served as a reminder of the allure of handmade objects crafted with care, showcasing the timeless appeal of clay as a medium of expression and the enduring power of art.
A bronze pour, held in the intriguingly named “Building 25”, added an additional layer of spectacle to the art crawl. From delicate sea turtles to whimsical rabbits, participants were encouraged to unleash their creativity and partake in the mesmerizing process of metal casting. This technique involved melting bronze, transforming it into molten liquid ready to be poured into carefully crafted molds, capturing the intricate details of each design.
The UNG Art Crawl not only showcased the remarkable talent within UNG’s visual arts programs but also underscored the profound importance of art in our society. Art serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, cultural reflection and social commentary. It has the ability to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions and spark conversations that challenge our perceptions and enrich our lives.
