For the last few months, the Elizabethtown College community has been dealing with the fallout of announced program and faculty cuts. The news came as a shock to both professors who were affected and the students enrolled in these programs.
While this period has had many in frustration or mourning, some students have chosen to channel their dissatisfaction into passion.
Gienah Sonnema, a fine arts student affected by the cutting of the fine arts program, has created an art exhibit in Zug Memorial Hall titled “Departures: A Tribute to Fine Art Faculty in Transition,” which had its opening reception on Feb. 7.
The exhibit featured pieces that included drawn art, paintings and sculptures created by students, many of them for the purpose of being featured in this exhibit.
Gienah spoke about what led to the creation of the exhibit.
“When I first heard about the cuts, I couldn’t believe it and I had this anger. Over time though, that anger turned into wanting to give back to the faculty who have given us so much,” Sonnema said. “I wanted our faculty to know they were valued here, that they didn’t waste their time teaching us. I think this could have been a negative, sad experience, but the art everyone contributed has brought a positive vibe to this transition.”
Professor of Art Milt Friedly and Administrative Assistant Fine and Performing Arts Amy Reynolds helped Sonnema set up the exhibit.
Sonnema and other student contributors created pieces, including paintings and sculptures.
“The Last of Us” and “Sleeping with the Fishes” evoke the melancholy and somberness that the arts students are struggling with. Pieces like “Moving Forward” and the photographs taken of Fine Arts faculty convey a hopeful reverence.
“When I found out about the exhibit, as a fine arts minor, I felt like this was a good outlet for some animosity I had,” sophomore elementary education major Kayla Thomas said. “I could get my feelings out about everything and contribute to this cause of paying respect for what my two years here has given me.”
As the transition period continues, many wonder about the future of what the arts at Etown will look like.
“I think the arts here will survive, but it will be more about satisfying CORE requirements than actually providing a proper arts education,” Sonnema said. “My time here has defined my development as an artist, especially the impact of individual faculty members. I’ve become more mature and braver as an artist and in general because of their support.”
Friends and other members of the student body gathered to attend the reception and felt similarly to the artists.
“The faculty cuts were very depressing to hear about, but it’s empowering to see the creativity that comes out of hardship,” senior psychology majorSara Colletti said..
“Departures: A Tribute to Fine Art Faculty in Transition” will be available for viewing in Zug’s Hess Gallery until March 1.
