Student artists 'collide' for D-I display of talent

With Seattle University shifting into gear for Division I, the art organizations on campus are hoping to follow in suit.

"As our school transitions into the Division I mode, we wanted to bring art along with it," said Laurie Murphy, junior creative writing major and editor-in-chief of Fragments. The Fragments Literary and Fine Arts Publication, Literary Society and Artsideout will make their first attempt at D-I art with Collision: An Artistic Soiree, a collaborative event showcasing student artistic talent.

The three clubs will host the art show in an attempt to bring Seattle U artists and students together in one communal venue. The show will focus primarily on musical, literary and visual art and takes place Dec. 6 in the Campion Ballroom from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Members of the three organizations are hoping to attract not only the Seattle U artisan crowd but also a wide array of students.

"I'm hoping to bring in freshmen or students that aren't art majors," said Cambray Provo, sophomore creative writing major and Literary Society representative. "We want to create a space for everyone where they feel welcome to share."

The event itself is the brainchild of Murphy. She got the idea for Collision from the annual Fragments gala that happens every April. She wanted to create an event showcasing the end product of student artistry like the gala, but on a larger scale.

"Collision" will display art submissions from students in all types of media around the ballroom. It will also feature several live musical performances from student musicians and bands.

The clubs involved want all artist submissions to have equal representation during the event. "We really do want it to be a collision of art," said Murphy.

Additionally, there will be a chance for students who submitted poetry to recite their pieces aloud in between student musical acts. The plan is for the event to be an all-out showing of student art.

The three distinct organizations have been working on Collision for quite some time and are excited about its potential.

"It's a melding of all three groups," said Tiffany Ta, senior digital design major and art director for Fragments. "We don't see a lot of student art outside the fine arts building" said Ta, who noted the university does not have a widely advertised student art community.

According to the directors of "Collision," Seattle U lacks a strong art community.

"We have a lot of artists, but it's not really shown," said Ta.

"We are trying to start a community at SU" she said. "I wish I had it freshmen year."

The deadline for submissions was Nov. 21, though Murphy said they hope to accept additional submissions at the door. Ta said the organizers have received some great artwork from various students ranging from written word to digital photographs.

Bryson Nitta, junior environmental studies major, will present a series of haiku poems at Saturday's event. He is excited at the opportunity to present in front of his peers.

"I just think that it is a nice way for people in the art community to get together and meet with each other," he said. For Nitta art is not meant to be secretive but rather a presentation.

"I don't really believe art is a personal, internal thing. It is something that should be shared," said Nitta.

Murphy agrees that art is something that needs to be shared, and hopes Collision will allow student artists to do just that.

"Not only can you put your art in a public realm, but you submit it to your peers," Murphy said. "Artists have this venue and it is a very important venue."