Deidree Friesen | Arts + Life Editor
The Witter Gallery in Storm Lake is holding an event this weekend, April 23 from 12-2pm, called Pastries and Paint. The event will be geared toward families in Storm Lake and will include art activities, pastries from the Storm Lake Bakery, and artwork from Buena Vista University (BVU) students.
Talented artists from BVU were given the opportunity to share their artwork with the community. Miranda Pollock, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Witter Gallery Board Member, shared why an art show at Witter Gallery is beneficial to not only students but also community members.
“There are a multitude of benefits to having a student show at Witter Gallery. First of all, the students are able to create work that will be seen by the public outside of BV, which encourages them to think a little differently because they have to think about what these people are going to be seeing. It also helps the population of Storm Lake see some of the art that’s being created at BV,” Pollock said.
Makenzie Mauntler, a junior Graphic Design major, is placing her work in a gallery for the first time.
“It was a pretty cool experience because I installed it myself. It was a lot more work than I expected. It made me feel like I had accomplished something seeing my piece up in the Witter Gallery with other amazing pieces,” Mauntler said. “This piece expresses the uncomfortable nature of an exchange between two very different people and how God works with us to create a truly beautiful moment.”
A personal memory inspired Mauntler’s piece. At the end of a mission’s conference in St. Louis, Mauntler and a few other members of her group took a detour on the walk to the hotel in order to experience the city’s night life and line of beautifully lit Christmas trees. Further down the road, the illumination from street lights and Christmas trees quickly faded into darkness. Suddenly, a man appeared asking the group for money.
“We are taught, especially as girls, to just keep walking and to not acknowledge others who approach us,” Maunlter said. Despite this, she stopped to hear him out.
“I wanted to help but, even though it’s hard to admit it, I was struggling with my own prejudice. It’s hard to say this. We don’t like to talk about our own flaws. But I definitely think I was nervous because he was a man, I was nervous because he was black, and I was nervous because he was homeless. The whole time I was praying that God would help me to look past my prejudices against him,” Mauntler said.
She handed the man some money from her wallet. The man was shocked by her generosity and asked if he could have a hug. Maunlter explained that every fiber of her being was screaming “NO” but she felt compelled to give a friendly hug anyway. Maunlter explained that what happened next was unexpected and one of the most transforming movements in her life. The man had offered to pray for Mauntler.
“The guy’s prayer was extremely raw and heartfelt. He talked to God saying that he was surprised that I stopped and that I must’ve been an angel sent to him from God. He blessed me and thanked me and we continued to talk and walk. He told me his name was Orlando and that he has a family that he is trying to provide for. We talked and walked for a good while until he told us he should head back to them,” Maunlter said. “It made me aware of how prejudice I can be and it also made me realize how God’s love can be shown even in our weaknesses.”
This weekend, the Pastries and Paint is encouraging community members and other BVU students to enjoy the artwork, like Mauntler’s, displayed as well as live illustrations by student Mackenzie Rappe.
Rappe’s stylized cartoon artwork might feature some of her favorite Disney characters or even the guests that visit the gallery. She is excited for this new opportunity she has to create art in front of people and is happy to answer any questions visitors might have.
“I just want to see people’s reactions when I draw and I’m excited to hear the questions that they have. It’s all a learning experience, so I think it’s great,” Rappe said. “You’re always improving, so I mean even if your art may not be the best, still continue to do it because otherwise you’re not going to get better.”
“I hope that this event [Pastries and Paint] will bring a lot of people into the Witter Gallery and see what the Witter Gallery has to offer to Storm Lake. I also hope that it shows the Storm Lake population what is happening at BV, and so I think it will be a win-win situation for both the Witter and for us,” Pollock said.
Pollock also shared how proud she is of the students and the effort they put forth to make this art show what it is.
“I think the students worked very hard and they really considered who the audience was, and they really considered that this work was going to be seen outside of BV. And it shows and there is some very impressive work at the gallery,” Pollock said.
The event is Saturday, April 23 at Witter Gallery from 12-2pm. Stop by to enjoy incredible art pieces by fellow students and experience some live art.
Photos by Stephanie Stiener
