Evening of art brings patronage, education

Vivid paintings and clicking wine glasses filled John Waldron Arts Center on Friday as the men of the Gamma Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. sponsored “A1906: Art Appreciation and Patronage.”

“We decided to have the event because it fell within the theme of our week. We’re strong supporters of the arts and want to enlighten the campus and community about the arts,” said senior Ross Stuckey, coordinator of the event and fraternity member.

This event was a community service and a part of the fraternity’s week of events titled “The Cold Curriculum,” which is a reference to the group’s nickname and their goal to enlighten the community on matters they may have not known about.

The art exhibits displayed were from various IU students who submitted their pieces on the fraternity’s request.

“We contacted the School of Fine Arts to send a call-out to all of its students. We also send out messages to artists through social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter,” Stuckey said.

The upscale event included “after-five” attire, wine and hors d’oeuvres and allowed patrons and artists to share the ideas behind the artwork displayed.

Senior Alex Williams discussed one piece of work, which had a Hispanic origin, with her friends.

“I love the wooden window frame around this piece of work,” Williams said. “It reminds me of my recent visit to Puerto Rico.”

Senior Meaza Yalew’s “Lotus” piece drew a lot of attention from the attendees. She said the inspiration behind the painting is from her favorite flower.

“The beautiful white lotus blooms from the mud represented at the bottom of the painting. It’s a represent of a more spiritual aspect,” Yalew said. “Although one may go through tough times, they can still prosper into something as beautiful as a lotus.”

With the success of the inaugural event, the chapter said it plans to possibly make this an annual event.

“We strived to enlighten the community about the arts through the conversations with some of the artists that were in attendance,” Stuckey said. “We feel that it is important that these dialogues take place as we learn about other cultures and people."