DuBois community celebrates diversity, artistic skills at campus IDREAM art show

DuBOIS, Pa. — Members of the Penn State DuBois campus community came together to celebrate both their diversity and their artistic talents at the second annual campus and community art show, hosted by the IDREAM Team at Penn State DuBois.

Although the weather outside was on the gloomy side, that didn’t damper the enthusiasm inside the PAW Center for this event that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) through artwork. The atrium at the PAW Center was filled with numerous unique examples of artwork that expressed what IDREAM means to the artist. Paintings, drawings, photographs and more all were on display at the event, showing a great variety of platforms in which artists can express their visions.

“As you enjoy the exhibits today, I encourage you to reflect on your own diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices,” Jungwoo Ryoo, Penn State DuBois chancellor and chief academic officer, said to attendees in his introduction speech. “I also encourage you to spark important conversations and inspire each other for meaningful changes in our DEIB mindset.”

A total of 65 submissions were received for the art show, including submissions from community members; professionals; high school students; and faculty, staff and students at the DuBois campus. All artwork was judged by a panel of judges for several awards. Winners of the awards were:

• Community award for “Best in the Show” – Maryanne Fyda
• Faculty and staff award for “Best in the Show” – Robin Gill
• Community and high school awards:
  • First place – Addison Smith
  • Second place – R. Paul Harris
  • Third place – Melissa Keen
• Student awards:
  • First place in diversity – Charity Croyle
  • Second place in diversity – Bailey Allison
  • Third place in diversity – Luther Shephard
  • First place in equity – Savannah McCloskey-Reigh
  • Second place in equity – Savannah McCloskey-Reigh
  • Third place in equity – Elizabeth Long
  • First place in inclusion – Kyle Baker
  • Second place in inclusion – Ryan Croyle
  • Third place in inclusion – Luther Shephard
  • First place in belonging – Ben Gritzer
  • Second place in belonging – Erika Sweka
  • Third place in belonging – Melakai Forrest

“Today’s art show is a direct result of the campus and community coming together to foster the dialogue of the values that the IDREAM Team stands for,” said Jessica Clontz, assistant teaching professor of human development and family studies and a member of the IDREAM Team at Penn State DuBois.

In 2020, the IDREAM team was created, which was reimagined from the original campus diversity team through an intensive needs assessment and campus community survey. IDREAM stands for:

• Inclusion
• Diversity
• Racial equality
• Equity
• Accountability and awareness
• Multiculturalism

Since its creation, the IDREAM team has used thoughtful planning to position itself to best support students, faculty and staff at Penn State DuBois, as well as the surrounding communities that it serves.