Family Weekend connections made at art, small business events

October 1, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 3)
Article by Samantha Drougel

Reyna Garcia in hat with sunflower stands in front of colorful painting

five people take items from a table, artist Reyna Garcia stands in back, others seated at tall table

student sits in front of table with stickers she made, a cork board displays more

Reyna Garcia discusses her artwork during a Family Weekend event highlighting the exhibition, 'A Single Thread: Being Latinx in West Michigan.'

Photo Credit: Erik Holladay-McCann

Laker students and their families connected during Family Weekend events September 20-22, including at an artist chat and workshop and a Small Business Market.

Artist Reyna Garcia led a discussion and workshop in the Haas Center for Performing Arts as part of the GVSU Arts Celebration exhibition "A Single Thread: Being Latinx in West Michigan."

Garcia presented pieces from her collection that tell the story of immigration to the United States.

“I express how important it is for me to talk about cultural identity,” said Garcia.

She stressed the importance of talking about immigration and not being afraid to discuss the barriers immigrants face. In one of her pieces, Garcia used light to represent people in the United States who welcome immigrants. “They represent the hope that one day this country is going to welcome immigrants and legalize them,” she said.

Students and their families participated in a collage project with Garcia where the goal was to express their cultural identity.

Megan Ferenczhalmy, a first-year student, said, “I have the words 'connect,' 'collaborate' and 'contribute,' and I think that is what art is about: connecting with others.”

"A Single Thread" remains open through November 8.

Small Business Market
More than 20 student-led business owners participated in a market held in a tent on the Kirkhof Center lawn. Many students said they started their businesses as a hobby.

Jewelry maker Ariana Kramjic said she enjoyed selling to a targeted audience. “I got more of my niche — young college students in their 20s — and I wouldn’t get that at another craft show,” said Ariana Kramjic, a graduate student majoring in social work.