Students share an evening of poetry,art, music, and relaxation
Posted by The Skyliner on April 1st, 2009Samantha Mayo
Staff Writer
Stephen Eill, freshman theater, is pictured reading his artistic work. Poems, music and acting were also featured. (Pht. by Jereme Green/ The Skyliner)
Students were given the opportunity to share their artistic abilities on March 26 at poetry night. The evening was hosted by Dr. Bruce’s World Literature class and included the reading of original poetry, the presentation of visual art, the performance of musical pieces and even a short, improvised one act and a few magic tricks.
“The best part was enjoying the variety of arts and talents,” Kirstin Barrett, freshman interdisciplinary studeis, said.
“I enjoyed that they included art that is not poetry. They extended to music and visual art as well,” Christine Parks, sophomore interdisciplinary studies, said.
Students also enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and feeling of community present at poetry night.
“The atmosphere is very relaxed and open. There is a lot of interaction,” Parks said. “I really enjoyed seeing how everyone has come together as a community, not just students, to express their feelings and soul searching.”
According to poetry night sponsor Dr. Bruce, the atmosphere of community and expression is one of the best aspects of poetry night. Bruce also appreciates how poetry night helps Christian artists refine their talents.
According to Bruce, poetry night showcases both “the creation of Christian art and the Christian creation of art,” meaning that some of the art is explicitly Christian in content while some of it is simply created through a Christian mindset without containing outright Christian elements.
Poetry night gives students a chance to express themselves, but at the same time remains Christ centered. Bruce said that poetry night is the first place he would bring a non-believing student at NGU because of the honesty, self-expression, and love for Christ students show at poetry night.
Poetry night is also an important opportunity for the students in Bruce’s World Literature class. Brooke Stephens, junior interdisciplinary studies and member of the class, says that Bruce gives students guidelines and requirements for the event in advance, but the students have a lot of freedom in coordinating the event.
It is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn how to organize an event. Stephens says that even the preparation for poetry night is an expression of creativity.
Poetry night had a fantastic turnout. Most attendees sat on blankets on the floor, but by the time poetry night began, there was very little space left. Coffee from Leopard Forest and snacks were available for students throughout the night.
The Mountain Laurel also made an appearance at poetry night. The Mountain Laurel had a booth set up where students could purchase Mountain Laurel patches or get copies of last year’s publication. Some Mountain Laurel staff as well as many poets and artists that will be featured in this year’s publication presented their work at poetry night.
The relaxed atmosphere, the freedom of expression, and the quality of the art received a very favorable response from poetry night attendees.
“My favorite part was seeing how many ways people expressed themselves. There was a lot of the same type of media, like poetry, songs, and paintings, but all different kinds of poems and kinds of songs,” Ben Gooding, sophomore English, said.
“It is the best night of the year as far as creating a time for artists to express themselves,” Hayley Smith, sophomore marketing, said.