CSUSB Hosts First Arts and Music Festival

Artists from all over Southern California converged at California State University San Bernardino along the campus’s art walk last Friday during the first annual Arts and Music Festival, where attendees browsed and participated in. From interpretive dance to music performances, audiences were immersed in an eclectic art scene as the school’s large campus was transformed into a bohemian paradise. Event staff Jacob Sandi elaborated on how this all came to be. As President of the University’s Underground Music Society, he had a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the event. “It’s collaboration between UMS and RAFFMA, the school’s art museum,” said Sandi. “It’s the first time seeing a wide variety of art and music culture on campus.” You’d never know it was the first attempt just by looking at it, though. Crowds of people of all backgrounds came to enjoy the limitless talent of the artists, who all made great efforts to share their work. One particular artist, Jeffrey William Howe, traveled from Laguna Niguel to display his sculptures and pieces made entirely from recycled wood chips and glass that he accumulates as a construction worker. He focuses on how colors and shapes become intertwined with geometry. “It’s a very primal thing,” said Howe. “I joke about it and call myself a ‘wrong-brained’ artist.” Considering how the Inland Empire hosts such thriving and vibrant artists, the University recognizes how important it is to offer the festival as an outlet for artistic expression. Brandon Dover, a graphic design and illustration student at CSUSB, commented on how art is an inescapable passion. “I just need to do art,” said Dover. “It’s a necessity. I start to feel sick if I don’t draw or paint something every few days.” Aside from fostering personal growth in artists and art admirers, the Arts and Music Festival also provided an opportunity for people to use art as a voice for inspiration. Tristan Acker, who is a Master’s of Fine Arts student at the University, helped create an arts, writing, and music collaboration: to use artistic expression as a way to make people think. Writers told a poetic tale as musicians played experimental sounds on guitars and woodwinds. Entitling the project “At This Juncture,” Acker seeks to instill in people a desire to get involved and change their surroundings. “You have to change what people want to do before what they need to do,” said Acker. “Art has a huge role to play, because it says what’s ‘cool’.” Whether audiences sought entertainment or inspiration, the Arts and Music Festival offered ample opportunities to explore an overwhelming sea of artistry. As the day progressed, more and more people showed up to soak in the incredible cultural experience. By the end of the day, Jacob Sandi had to marvel at how successful the event became. “It turned out better than I expected,” he said. “It’s neat to see our campus as something lively.” Despite being a new event, the Arts and Music Festival aims to become a staple in CSUSB’s repertoire of events. “We’re looking to make it annual,” said Sandi. “It gives me a lot of hope and pride as a future alumnus. I’m excited to see where it goes.”