Independent Spirit Art Gallery

By Nick O'Connor -- (Oneonta, New York)

The Independent Spirit art gallery has been on display for almost a month now. Since January 25 beautiful pieces of art have been showed off inside the Martin Mullen Art Gallery. The Gallery is in the Fine Arts building on the SUNY Oneonta campus. The artwork being displayed comes in all shapes and sizes, and in various forms such as sculptures, paintings, even including some film and the ever-interesting masks. Students around campus have been coming in and out of the gallery to check out all the unique images. March 18 is the last possible day to check out the exhibit, so there still is a little bit of time to view until these pieces are gone for awhile.

Visitor at Art Gallery

SUNY Oneonta student, Dylan Gilbert, visited the art gallery today. It was his first trip to the gallery. He said "I really liked this painting in particular." He went on to say "I'm not really sure why i liked this one, I just feel like there is a lot going on here and it's kind of trippy in a way."

Another student visited the gallery during his off hours here at Oneonta. Student Ryan Rudolph was particularly fond of this artwork above. "Its done extremely well, it gives me the feel of being on a subway but I also really like how it looks like there is a painting inside of the painting."

My favorite sculpture was the "bedtime story". It was very intricate looking. It seemed as if there was a lot going on in the sculpture. This might be a little weird but to me the sculpture gave off a "where the Wild Things Are" feeling, like it belonged in that story. That being said, everything that was shown in the gallery was done extremely well and deserves to be shown off. If you haven't checked it out I recommend doing so before it closes on March 18.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bhzbbxElQo

Release Your Words Fundraiser at Wilsbach Hall

BY SHARON SEYMOUR -- (ONEONTA, NY)

Creative Writing Club Release Your Words Fundraiser

On Wednesday February 17, 2016  from 11am to 3pm in Wilsbach Hall, the Creative Writing Club held their “Release Your Words” fundraiser. The Creative Writing Club aims to raise as much money as they can and they plan to donate half of the money to benefit the Greater Plains Elementary School. The proceeds will be used by the Greater Plains Elementary School to fund their library skills and literacy program for children. Sam Filkins, the Vice President of the Creative Writing Club says “this is our second annual Release Your Words fundraiser, we had a great turn out last year and we hope to have a great turn out this year as well.”

Thoughtful Words Written On The Canvas

Students and faculty made kind donations to this great cause, and in return helped illustrate, sign their names, or wrote inspiring quotes on a canvas to show support. Kimmy Kehr, a member of the Creative Writing Club explains, “we collect donations for the Greater Plains Elementary School to help them expand their library and people love to add to the canvas to show they support our cause. Its really great because this canvas will be up on display in Hunt Union.”The large canvas, which was donated by the Damascene Book Cellar, will be on display in the International Lounge in the Hunt Union located on our SUNY Oneonta campus.

The Phi Sigma Sigma Sisters 

The sorority Phi Sigma Sigma was at this event as well and they were promoting their talent show fundraiser. The Phi Sigma Sigma talent show will take place on April 6th and all proceeds will go to the school and college readiness organization. Phi Sigma Sigma's Marykate Regam explains “The proceeds will be used to raise money for school supplies for students in need.”

William Blatz: New Student Services

There were some other organizations at this event such as representatives for  New Student Services who were looking for more students to become orientation leaders. William Blatz from New Student Services said “ We hope to have 70 applicants for our orientation leader program here on campus. This is a great program for students who wish to gain more involvement on campus.”

Rajiv Surendra wins over SUNY Oneonta

By Jimmy Laurenzo (Oneonta, NY)


An unexpected snowfall which slicked the roads didn't stop masses of SUNY Oneonta students from attending Rajiv Surendra's guest lecture in the ballroom of Hunt Union on the SUNY campus. Rajiv is most known for his role as, Kevin G, in the smash hit, Mean Girls. This fan favorite role wasn't a crutch as Rajiv discussed his life beyond the film and the lessons he learned trying to pursue his dreams. When asked her opinion on the event New Hartford High School student Rachel Daly had the following to say, " It was really interesting to actually hear about the individual. I came because I loved him in, Mean Girls, but after hearing him speak I can say I'm a fan of more than just Kevin G."

An image from Rajiv's experience at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Photo by Jimmy Laurenzo.

After, Mean Girls, Rajiv fell in the love with the book, The Life of Pi. So much so that when the possibility of playing the lead presented itself he did not hesitate. Rajiv dropped out of college and put everything into the role. While preparing for the film Rajiv was taken all around the world doing research and attempting to become the character. He traveled to locations including India, Maine, and Toronto to name a few. " I can't believe the work actors put in just to play a part. I'll never take a great performance for granted again.", said student Zach Johnson. 

Rajiv shares an email that changed his life. Photo by Jimmy Laurenzo

Despite his best efforts and extensive research Rajiv was not selected for the role. After he received the rejection email he was understandably devastated. From there Rajiv moved on and in an attempt to rebuild moved to Munich, Germany. Through new experiences and self reflection he found himself. Today he is a potter, painter, woodworker, model, calligrapher, and perhaps most importantly author. The experiences from his talk are even more extensive and valuable than he shared and publishers seem to think the same. Rajiv's book, "The Elephants in my Backyard", catalogs his life and experiences chasing down his dream role and is expected out sometime next year. Oneonta Alumni, Rebecca Daly, had this to say on behalf of Rajiv's amazing story, "It's so interesting to see everyone's path. You just never know how someone gets to where they are. There's a few hundred people in here and we all have our own story, that's pretty amazing."

The Cover of Rajiv's forthcoming book. Photo by Jimmy Laurenzo.

Rajiv proved to be much more than his, Kevin G, performance. He captured the audience and imparted invaluable lessons. Learning so much from his own trials and tribulations Rajiv's perspective on life is breathtakingly refreshing. Seeing someone who has turned an enormous adversity into their benefit is truly inspiring.

Event wrap

Just An Independent Sprite

February 16, 2016

      Martin-Mullen Art Gallery

Taken By Bolton's 

Davante Bolton, Oneonta New York

Today,  In SUNY Oneonta's Fine Art building there will be an art show taken place exhibiting over fifth teen different paintings. In this show there will be different paintings, drawings, films, prints, sculptures and photography. The independent sprite gives over twenty-four artist a chance to display their material to divorced school.
The goal of this exhibition to me is very simple and straight to the point. it is to show a diversity of styles and approaches to making art,  including artist that span age and career timeless. The material that you will get will be generous doses of heart and mind, fantasy, carefully observed reality, dirt, water, wind and fire, intimate moments. 


 Wijnanda Deroo is the painter who managed to  make a collage of multiple painter's pieces that create the concept she trying to obtain. Wijinanda Deroo does not limit herself to the known in fact, she seems to search out the unknown and unfamiliar.  Whether traveling within her native Holland or her adopted home, the United States, or exploring countries much farther afield Indonesia, China, Russia, Mexico Deroo does not shy away from taking this travel a step deeper.  Visiting the interiors of public buildings, homes, factories, hotels, she seems to be searching for the heart of the matter, the belly of the beast.
                                                                                   



Here is just an example of some people that are here to really examine the material. I asked them if they would give an interview they wouldn't  agree to doing so because they were just there to view the work.  Plus the weather outside had them unprepared to be on anyones film they told me!

Paintings by Lisbeth FirminLisbeth Firmin was born in Paducah, Kentucky in 1949. She is a contemporary American realist known for her urban landscapes. For over four decades her work has been in hundreds of solo and group shows across the country and internationally. In 2000, she left New York City for upstate NY, where she paints in her studio in a small village in Delaware County every day.

These are paintings that I found very interesting and just have to show those who won't attend this event ! In the age when technology can send a picture of you looking at work in the exhibition around the world faster than you can this sentence. To me because of this new aspect in life we forget the hard work and dedication the artists put in their craft.

                                                        

Journey of A Modern-Day Renaissance Man

Poster at Hunt Union for the guest speaker, Rajiv Surendra.

Karlyssa Dejesus (Oneonta, NY) --


On February 15th, a snowy Monday, Rajiv Surendra arrived to SUNY Oneonta to explain his journey as a modern-day renaissance man. He went in depth about a very important part of his life. That has caused him to become the person he is now.


Rajiv Surendra: a painter, potter, wood worker, a modern-day renaissance man, a calligrapher/self employed business man and actor. He is well known for his performance as Kevin Gnapoor, the rapping mathlete in Mean Girls.

Rajiv Surendra speaking about his role in the film, Mean Girls.

After Surendra played the role of Kevin G. from Mean Girls, he found himself interested in playing the role of Pi from the novel, Life of Pi. Life of Pi has been through three different directors through the almost 6 years of the film being put on hold.

Surendra accomplished many goals during the holding of the film. His main goal was the fulfill the role of Pi. He decided to drop out of college, the University of Toronto, and go to India to experience an 'everyday' environment of the main character, Pi.


His introduction of India and to the school he was going to be visiting for 2 weeks, was the assistant principle spanking a boy on the behind in order to disciplined him. Surendra wanted to "change the world" when he arrived in India. He entered the culture of the school he was visiting. He also learned to eat like the school boys do. He was also made fun of by the students of the school because he was eating with his "poo hand" according to the boys in the school.


Even though the role did not go in his favor, he learned and experienced so much about himself. When speaking to his audience he stated "failing is not a bad thing." All the greatest people have failed and turned out a success after they found themselves. It was an inspiring speech about strengths, weaknesses, success and many failures. It also opened up about people and how important the way a person would react towards you. It was a lecture of knowledge.

The presenters audience. 

Rajiv Surendra has a novel, The Elephant in My Backyard, coming out and it is based on his experience preparing the Life of Pi role. There is no exact date when the book will be released. 

Independent Spirits Showcased at Gallery

BY NICK WETZEL------(ONEONTA, NY)

The Independent Spirit Art Expirit, currently being held at the Martin-Mullen Art Gallery in the Fine Arts Center, is a collaborative effort put forth to showcase local artists for the community to see. Its been open January 27th and will remain open until March 18th. The art at the gallery varies greatly ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and film.

Carrie Ann's Dream (top) and Wherein Lies the Truth (bottom) by Gerald Scheck

The exhibit was a wonderful experience that really showed off the artistic talent that our community has to offer. If it weren't for the exhibit it would've been rather difficult for the artists to be able to display there art for such a large amount of people. It can also be enjoyed a wide variety of art lovers due to the various forms on display.

The Flayed Man (Front and Back) by Allison Hill-Edgar

Masks by Ian Austin

My favorite pieces were probably the masks created by Ian Austin and the sculpture Bedtime Story by Marcus Villagran. The masks were very interesting and incredibly well detailed, Some had tusks or horns, while others had more human-like features. My other favorite piece, Bedtime Story, is incredibly beautiful and very creative. All of the works at the gallery are exceptional and are a must see for everyone. There's still plenty of time to get down to the Martin-Muller Art Gallery and see all the wonderful works.

Sondra's Flying Fish by Chelsea Gibson

Bedtime Story by Marcus

SUNY Oneonta Welcomes Rajiv Surendra

By: Casey Riordan

On February 15th, Rajiv Surendra aka Kevin G from the movie Mean Girls came to SUNY Oneonta to speak to fellow Oneonta students about his life and some of the struggles he has endured. I spoke to Rajiv before he went on stage and asked him what his favorite project he had done since Mean Girls. He responded saying, "Man that is a hard one, nothing has really topped that but my journey trying to become the character in Life Of Pie was a great life experience."

Rajiv Surendra on left Me on Right

Rajiv spent most of his time telling us about his life. Mean girls was the first movie he was ever in and had a blast. He stated how all the actors and actresses were up and coming and because of that they all learned from each other. He then began his journey to try and get the part of the main character in the movie Life of Pi. Life of Pi is a movie based on a Indian family who owns a zoo and moves to Canada, but as they were moving their ship sinks and Pi is left on a raft with a tiger. Rajiv dropped out of college where he was currently enrolled at the University of Toronto as a double major to travel to India.

Rajiv Surendra on stage speaking about his Mean Girls experience

His journey lasted over 6 years. After he left India Rajiv taught himself how to swim which took 4 years. The only thing left to fulfill his needs was finding someone who was stranded out at sea. That is when Rajiv traveled to Maine and spoke with Steven Callahan the author of Adrift. Steven gave him in-depth stories on what is was like being lost at sea and it helped Rajiv understand what it could potentially be like.

A few years went by and Rajiv got terrible news. The director of Life of Pi casted a boy from India because he wanted someone who wasn't an actor. Rajiv was devastated for a long time but realized it was a great life experience and would not trade it.

Check out Rajivs new book coming out!!

Cover of Rajiv's new book Elephants in my Backyard