Pentathlon

Semester 2

As an experiential component of College Park Arts Scholars, I attended a selection of five art events during my first semester as well as my second semester. These events ranged in art mediums and each sparked dialogue among my peers.

Pentathlon 1: Short Fiction

Event Logistics February 12, 2023, LeVar Burton Reads: "The Foster Portfolio"

Pentathlon category #literature

On this rainy Sunday afternoon, I decided to spend some time listening to a short story by LeVar Burton after reading it as a suggestion on the Pentathlon instructions page. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as I am not big on audiobooks, but I was immediately immersed in Burton’s engaging voice and the story at hand. I listened to Burton’s recording of Kurt Vonnegut’s short story “The Foster Portfolio,” one of his lesser known but no less interesting works. The story follows an investment counselor who discovers his client is living a shocking double life. Though the entire story fits into one forty minute video, LeVar’s animated voice and the vivid picture the words of Vonnegut paint made it feel as though no time had passed. While I have studied in Art Scholars, attention to detail has always been stressed. This recording is an excellent example of that, with the many elements that make it up coming together to take the reader on a near fantastical journey. This made me rethink my view on audiobooks; while I still prefer a hard copy of a book in my hands, this experience made me realize how nice it is to not have to use my eyes. I also loved Burton’s afterward commentary, which helped me to sort out my feelings and thoughts on the piece and make it all feel less overwhelming. I can’t wait to pull this out on the next rainy weekend I experience in College Park.

Pentathlon 2: Quarters of Change Concert

Event Logistics February 22 2023, Union Stage, Quarters of Change Concert

Pentathlon category #music

I write this half-asleep as I was up most of the night seeing the band Quarters of Change at Union Stage. However, no matter how tired I get, I don't regret the experience one bit. This was my second time seeing the indie rock band Quarters of Change in concert, my first one being earlier this year when they opened for the band Bad Suns at the Baltimore SoundStage. I was immediately and continue to be completely drawn in by their eclectic yet classic sound and the energy they exude while performing. Going back this time and knowing the words to their songs was even better because I could actually sing along with the rest of the crowd. Their band also includes a variety of instruments, including a bassist, three electric guitar players, and drums, and when they all come together the sound is absolutely incredible. It was also amazing to just be in the crowd with others also enjoying themselves. It reminded me of an important idea when it comes to art, that art is first and foremost a form of connection. Music brings people together of completely different backgrounds and links them with the love of a sound. This is something we discuss frequently in Art Scholars and also is what it is at its roots: a group of both artists and lovers of art. This is why I am thankful for the chance to major in Art History also, because art is social, and humans need art to live. I can’t wait to see Quarters of Change again next time they come this way, I hope I’ll be front row when they do.

Pentathlon 3: The Met Virtual Gallery Opening

Event Logistics March 12, 2023, The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England

Pentathlon category #presentation

On this Sunday afternoon spent nearly entirely in my room, I thought it would be a nice excursion to watch a video from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s youtube on one of their newest exhibitions: a delve into the Tudor family of England. As an Art History major, I was immediately excited to look at some of the amazing art on display in this exhibition, and to hear from the Curator in the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts and the Associate Curator in the Department of European Paintings about the stories behind these pieces that have been carefully chosen for the display. I think the thing that struck me the most about the works was the sheer detail that went into each one. The brushstrokes on the paintings were precise and specific, and each element was clearly very specifically picked to suggest a value or social standing. I really loved the detail on some of the tapestries of the Lancaster and York roses overlapping each other, representing the coming together of the two families after years of warring against each other. When I watched this, I was reminded of something we discuss often in Art Scholars, which is the value of detail and intention in art. No matter what the form of art is, there is normally a reason behind its making, and a long thought process behind it. It reiterates to me the importance of this intention when I create my art, and that detail can go a long way.

Pentathlon 4: Mamma Mia!

Event Logistics April 9, 2023, Baltimore, MD

Pentathlon category #film

Though I have seen the movie Mamma Mia many times throughout my life, I am always pulled back into the magic of the world of a tiny island off of Greece, and the beautiful relationship between a mother and daughter. It is even more special to watch this movie with my own mother, and really see the familial dynamics so beautifully portrayed. It reminds me so much that the idea of family and connection is central to art as a whole, and that includes in movies. Getting to have a moment with my mom to share the art form that is film together feels almost sacred. It is something that many mothers and daughters throughout history have done, enjoying a form of entertainment together to have a laugh or just a moment to sit in silence together. Art is a central part of humanity, something I explore often in my Archaeology minor and Anthropology classes. I also think Mamma Mia is a perfect example of the human experience, because it is a movie with very little point that is simply fun to watch. Sometimes, art doesn’t have to mean anything important. Sometimes, it can just be fun. I think that is important to remember, because I think a lot of times as artists we tend to take ourselves too seriously, and it's okay to let loose every once in a while. This movie was a great reminder of that, and I am glad I got to share this time with my Mother. (Disclaimer: I did watch this movie with my family but forgot to take a picture so this selfie is the best I have, sorry about that.)

Pentathlon 5: Landscape Painting

Event Logistics April 12 2023, Bel Air Hall, Craft and Chat

Pentathlon category #artscholars #visualarts

Not only was connecting with fellow art scholars and hanging out in the warm, sunny weather super enjoyable, but also getting to work in a medium I don’t normally get to play with- watercolor. Though I use watercolor occasionally in my art, I haven’t had almost any time to create art since coming to college. There are always so many other assignments piling up, and the thought of even attempting to create with no deadline is overwhelming. However, at this event I was able to paint with no expectations or stress, just enjoying creating the way it was intended. It felt so good to stretch my artistic muscles, as well as spend time with other artists and friends. I think that is what these craft and chats are all about, just getting to chill out and create without any external pressures. I think this really reminds me of the reason I chose the major of Art History, not only for the serious, philosophical reasons, but also because art is fun! Artists create because doing anything else feels impossible, and this event also reminded me of this when it comes to myself. This really inspired me to start painting again in my free time, and to explore more mediums while doing so.