Splash of Creativity

Woof Woof! Dogs always make an appearance at the Plaza Art Fair,
but these two daring ones stole the show. (2013)

Last weekend the 83rd Annual Plaza Art Fair was held here in Kansas City. The Plaza Art Fair is an art exhibit that takes place on the streets of the Country Club Plaza. A variety of artists display their artwork, whether it be metal work, photography, sculptures, or even handmade jewelry, but it doesn’t end there. Restaurants on the plaza also have booths set up on the streets, activities for all ages are available, and different bands perform throughout the day. It’s a weekend for the spirit to be energized with creativity. 

Over the past years, it’s become a tradition for Rockhurst students to donate their time by assisting the artists or volunteering where needed throughout the weekend of the fair. This was my third time volunteering and I can honestly say that it’s always a highlight of my year. I not only get to live out the mission of service, but I am able to interact with local artists and surround myself with creativity. 

My first time making pottery! Bucket list item ☑ (Plaza Art Fair 2014)

Volunteers get the chance to chat with the artists about how they create their artwork, where they get their inspiration from, and any other questions they may have. All the artists are friendly and truly appreciate having someone help them out during the weekend. This year, I went with my friends, Lauren and Fabi, and we soaked in the experience unlike any other year. We were able to make pottery, sign up for various raffles and giveaways for the upcoming ballets and symphony concerts, and savored a delicious corn on the cob from Zocalo Mexican Cuisine. 

Arrrriba! We were able to channel Fabi's Mexican roots at the
Plaza Art Fair 2014. (From left to right: Myself, Fabi, and Lauren)

The arts are a prominent part of the student experience at Rockhurst. The staff and faculty do a great job at encouraging students to experience the arts through projects like volunteering at the Plaza Art Fair, having students go to the Kauffman center for a class project, theater productions, or through the offered fine arts courses. Rockhurst isn’t only a place “where leaders learn," but a place where leaders get the chance to be innovative and discover ways to set themselves apart from the rest of the crowd. Students get to design their life by molding and shaping their goals, just like artists create their artwork. 

My latest canvas creation was for my friend Erica who
celebrated her birthday this weekend. 

“Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it"

-Danny Kaye

Here & Now

We often wander through life waiting for our next grand moment.  The thing is- life isn’t made up of grand moments. If we can learn to appreciate the small things that happen every day, we’ll learn to love life for what it is- one big extraordinary experience.

Two years down, Two to go. My junior year has arrived and with it a feeling of regret. 

There are moments in life where a situation teaches us to appreciate what we have, such as the passing of a loved one. Until that moment arrives, we’re running around and always living one day ahead, thinking of when our next assignment is due or when our next test will be. I’m guilty of this. By thinking of the future we’re just being or existing, not living. 

It wasn't until recently that I realized it’s not about waiting for that certain moment to come around and teach me about appreciating those around me, instead I need to appreciate every moment starting now. This year, I challenge myself, and I challenge you to do one thing.

Slow down and appreciate the little moments. 

I’ve spent the past two years relying on a planner because I always have to be one step ahead and know what and when I’ll be doing something. I tend to live in the future, always wondering about what my life will be like. Will I move away? Where will my first job be? Will I have a job straight out of school or will I go to graduate school? By thinking of what’s to come, I’m not treasuring those around me or the time spent with them. 

I’ve challenged myself to stop looking forward and enjoy every other day just as much as I do Friday. To enjoy the moments with friends and be fully present; that means actually engaging in a conversation without checking my phone or social media. Even though I have two years left, and people say that’s a long time, they will go by just as quickly as these past two did. 

“Live in the present, or die in your past; it's your choice.” 

― Bryant McGill