Makers program encourages artistic expression

In the Honors College, the Art Makers program allows students to express themselves through art and design. Curated by Honors College student Hannah Umphlett, the Makers program provides an outlet for students to express artistic passions that they might not have even known they had.

“Humans are naturally creative; they just require an outlet to express it,” Umphlett said — something she has learned throughout her time both in the program and being the curator.

Umphlett emphasized the impact that the Makers program has had on her life. “Being a member of the Art Makers linked me to the campus and other students unlike any other program. I was able to create and be “the artsy kid” again,” she said.

She said her three years as part of the program have carried her through the stressor of school and offered an outlet that was much needed. Her hope is that others will feel the same.

This year two of our Makers Hasitha Tatineni and Olivia Winter created amazing pieces that followed the theme of growth. They both completed three pieces that were showcased at Mamie Jenkins. Tatineni surrounded her pieces around her own self growth, showing different self-portraits.

“This choice forced me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to strengthen my technical artistic skills,” she said.

Each of Tatineni’s pieces are given names that encapsulate the meaning and feelings in each. “Fallen mask,” “Oscillation,” and finally “Her.”

Winter took a similar approach, but she depicted herself in different stages of growth from childhood to present day.

Winter’s work “Portrait as a Young Child”

“Drawing portraits and people has consistently been my favorite,” she said. Winter explored her different stages through different mediums, crayon, pencil, and finally watercolor. These are meant to be reflective of her art at these different stages.

Our third Maker, Gabriella Galvan, presented her art in January before heading to Italy for her study abroad in Certaldo Alto. Her paintings reflected an individual throughout the three major stages of growth — childhood, adolescence and adulthood. She tied the three pieces together through a similar color palette.

Umphlett summed up the value of the Makers program as, “Art is the stored honey of the human soul.” She encourages all students to try to find a way to access the “stored honey” inside of everyone. The Makers program is for everyone, a way to show the beauty in the world through the eyes of others and of yourself.