Arts, Etc.

Art ventures beyond classrooms

After finishing with his classes for the day, junior James Beare of the University of La Verne practices on his flute in the Music Annex. Beare has been playing since he was 13 years old and continues practicing two to three times a week in his free time. / photo by Adam Omernik
After finishing with his classes for the day, junior James Beare of the University of La Verne practices on his flute in the Music Annex. Beare has been playing since he was 13 years old and continues practicing two to three times a week in his free time. / photo by Adam Omernik

by Adrianna Gardner
Staff Writer

La Verne students take pride in outside activities, as well as the scholastic. A few in the student body have found a deep appreciation for the arts.

As spring rolls around, La Verne students have been bitten with the art bug and have found imaginative ways to express themselves.

Farida Garcia, a sophomore art minor, enjoys the craft of painting abstract art and has been deeply interested for the past year.

“I can use it in psychology,” Garcia said.

In particular, Garcia enjoys abstract art for its “boundless” aspect of instruction and practice. Its structure leaves students open for experimentation. She also realizes the important part art plays in education.

“It’s all about perspective,” Garcia said. “It’s fun painting. It involves making mistakes but it’s good to work off those mistakes.”

LaVenna Ware, senior art major, has been featured in many art shows. She also coordinated the African American Student Alliance’s Art Show last February.

Ware is also a fan of abstract art painting and her pieces have given her some recognition in the art world, including at the dA Center for their Valentine’s Show with the theme “Simply Red.”

Currently interested in abstract art, Ware wishes to return to the style of figurative painting. It is this style that she said she finds her roots with. Figurative painting is a particular style that was most often used by African Americans.

“While people learn how to do math and learn how to write, programs are now in place where people can learn how to do art,” Ware said.

Freshman Leoni Gardner, criminology major, also takes pride in her poetry writing and beauty facials.

“It is important to treat yourself nice, express your ideas. Your body is a work of art,” Gardner said.

As a part-time independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay products, she sees makeup and beauty application as art in a different way.

Gardner views art as a means to develop craft and be creative.

“It’s real important. Everyone has a unique approach,” Gardner said about art’s use in education.

In recent years, less funding has gone to enhancing education in the arts. Participation in the arts has been linked to higher test scores and it helps contribute to flexibility in all areas of life. The ability to solve problems, adapt new skills and communicate are the benefits of art education.

Art is also a form of self-expression and a good outlet for stress. ULV freshman biology major Amber Poulzin and her friends get together for art activities, which take their minds off daily hassles for a brief amount of time.

They collectively came together to create a piece that hangs on Poulzin’s door.

Poulzin has been sketching and drawing in pastels since she was very young.

“It opens your mind up and you can express yourself,” Poulzin said.

Many art classes are offered at ULV, and all students are encouraged to participate and express themselves. For more information contact Dion Johnson at Ext. 4273.

Adrianna Gardner, Arts Editor
Adrianna Gardner
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Adam Omernik, Photography Editor
Adam Omernik
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