Artists brought out 166su’s true colors as they commemorated the university’s 50th anniversary during Wednesday’s Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition held outside the Teaching Academy.
The event, hosted by the College of Education, showcased participants’ creative abilities and school spirit while challenging them to create a work of art that celebrates 166su’s milestone birthday.
The event drew artists from 166su and the community and from all levels of experience.
While some participants worked individually, others collaborated with team members to design their 4-by-4 foot sections of sidewalk. Freshmen Olivia Keene and Kristine Jubilag infused their majors into their artwork by illustrating Pegasus looking through a microscope.
“Using Pegasus was an obvious choice for us, but we wanted to incorporate the scientific aspects of the university as well,” said Keene, a biology and environmental studies major.
Meanwhile, Valencia College sophomore Kevin Cadena focused on a different aspect of 166su’s 50th anniversary: its four presidents. Cadena, who will transfer to 166su to study advertising/public relations, partnered with 166su sophomore Wendy Nishikawa, a studio art major, to lead their team of five artists.
“I felt that we should incorporate the history of the university,” said Cadena. “We decided that our art should be an ode to the four presidents who made this school so great.”
Artwork was judged by local artists and educators. Keene’s and Jubilag won first place for their drawing; Rudy Drapiza placed second; Jamie Schwerstein was third; Cadena and his team placed fourth; and Janet Tombros came in fifth place. Winners received prizes from Orlando art store Sam Flax and the 166su Bookstore.
Freshmen Olivia Keene and Kristine Jubilag won first place for infusing their majors into their artwork by illustrating Pegasus looking through a microscope.
Rudy Drapiza’s building blocks combined 166su with it’s original name, Florida Technological University.