The night of Friday, September 29th, while many students were making Dominos takeout orders or rowdily making their way to some CMC function, three Pomona-Pitzer students were making final preparations for their first ever art show at Pomona College’s vibrant new Studio Art Hall. From 9pm to midnight, a crowd of nearly 200 students came to visit a radically transformed drawing studio – what was previously cluttered by art horses and easels had been cleared to make room for band gear, a clothing rack, a dance floor, and an elaborate display of visual and ceramic arts. Impressively, the small team of entrepreneurially minded third-years had organized the entire affair via Facebook, employing Venmo to collect purchases and raise donations for performers. This simple yet thoughtful strategy yielded striking results, with over $50 of merchandise selling out in the first hour.
Pitzer Art major Mykale Bankhead brought in the first sales, showcasing a robust collection of ceramic kitchenware, alongside some small hand-printed postcards and three large still life paintings. Ellis Roper, a Pomona third-year and music producer, helped install the show and arrange for rock band, Goldy, to perform an impressive 90-minute set of self-described “passionate, empowering, tender healing.” Marcus Polk, Pomona Art major and creative organizer, supplied a full clothing rack, various photo print collections, 20+ hand printed posters, and the august-inspired playlist, aptly titled “channel ORANGE.” After the show, the organizers seemed more than satisfied with P(ART)Y’s turnout, noting a consistent audience and positive ambiance. The collective currently operates under no alias, but has promised to return with another event in late October.