As the spring semester begins to wrap up, SNU students can look forward to something new popping up around campus: student-created art installations. Design 2 students have been working on creative projects that will soon be displayed for others to enjoy, bringing more color, meaning, and personality to campus life.
Art may not always feel like a necessity in everyday life, but on a college campus, it plays a bigger role than many people realize. It creates conversation, sparks curiosity, and gives students something to connect over. Whether someone is an art major or someone who has never stepped foot in a studio, public art has a way of drawing people in and giving them something to pause and appreciate during a busy day.
The upcoming installations will go up the week of April 13, giving students the opportunity to experience them before the semester comes to a close.
One student preparing an installation is Addison Faulk, whose project is titled Singing in the Rain. Her piece uses umbrellas and rain imagery, but the message behind it goes much deeper than the visuals.
Faulk explained that the umbrella represents God, while the rain symbolizes the hard things in life. Even when life feels heavy, her project is meant to communicate that God provides covering, love and relief, and that people can still “sing through it.” Faulk shared that she is excited not only to complete the installation, but also to see how others respond once it is displayed. She is especially looking forward to seeing people’s reactions and getting to share the meaning behind it.
Another student, Lillian Winkelman, is also preparing an installation, though her project does not have an official title yet. Her work will consist of a series of paintings meant to look like windows into people’s homes. Winkelman explained that her goal is to encourage commuters to spend more time on campus and build relationships outside of class. Her installation will be placed in the commuter lounge, making it an intentional piece designed to speak directly to commuter students.
By creating artwork that feels like a glimpse into someone’s space, Winkelman hopes to remind commuters that campus life can be more than just showing up for class and leaving immediately after. She shared that she is excited “to make them and to paint again,” especially since the project gives her a chance to return to a creative process she enjoys.
One of the most interactive installations being prepared is by senior Indy Hughes, who is creating a yard game inspired by the classic game Guess Who. Hughes’ project, titled Guess SNU, will be built on a portable wooden frame designed for outdoor use.
“For my art installation, I am creating an interactive yard game inspired by the classic game of Guess Who,” Hughes said. “The game will feature custom-designed player cards with illustrated designs on portraits of Southern Nazarene University faculty.”
Her game will highlight recognizable traits of SNU faculty members in a way that is meant to be lighthearted, fun and meaningful. Hughes explained that her main goal is to bring joy to campus and honor the professors and faculty who have made an impact on students.
“The goal of this art installation is to bring joy to everyone at SNU,” Hughes said. “I want to recognize SNU faculty who have made meaningful impacts on students over the years.”
She also shared that, as a senior, the project feels personal because it reflects her own appreciation for the community she has experienced at SNU.
Although Hughes is excited to see how people interact with the game, she admitted she is nervous about Oklahoma weather. She said she is “least excited about the possibility of having classic Oklahoma springtime weather,” especially since the installation is outdoors. She also shared concerns about people not understanding how to play, but plans to include clear instructions.
Installations like these remind students that art is not only meant for galleries. It is meant to be experienced. Whether students connect through symbolism, encouragement or interactive fun, these projects will add color and life to campus in a way that invites community.
As the installations begin to go up the week of April 13, students should take time to check them out before the spring semester comes to an end.
Photo credit: Abby Crawford