UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — During artist Amie Bantz's recent visit to Penn State, students and other community members had the opportunity to create their own works of art using lunchboxes, which are now on display through the HUB-Robeson Galleries. These works are on display in the HUB-Robeson Center wall case through May 15.
Bantz led two workshops, a facilitator training, and an artist talk with students, staff, faculty and community members during her visit to Penn State's University Park campus in early February.
“Working with and learning from Amie was an incredibly valuable experience,” said Kayley McDonald, HUB-Robeson Galleries exhibitions intern and trained facilitator. "Her work goes beyond art — Bantz sheds light on the intimacies of cross-cultural experiences, and offers a voice to those who share in them.”
The stories created from these workshops are on display in the HUB-Robeson Center. After the exhibition, the lunchboxes will join Bantz’s larger collection for future exhibitions. During her visit, Bantz trained student and staff facilitators to continue Lunchbox Moments workshops for the Penn State community; to set up a workshop, email galleries@psu.edu.
“In the midst of multiple pandemics, cultivating a sense of belonging in a community divided on so many levels is a difficult task,” said Leslie Laing, director of Adult Learner Programs and Services in Penn State Student Affairs. “We bravely gathered together and were able to reflect on our individual experiences, explore cultural differences, and unpack both positive and negative memories related to dining in public spaces. Many of our food associations connected us cross-culturally and the creating of art empowered us to speak out against the microaggressions we experience over some of our favorite foods. Art, agency and activism pair well together like a three-course meal.”
Bantz is a Baltimore-born, Midwest-and-New-England-raised, current Harrisburg resident. Bantz holds a bachelor's degree in art education and a master's degree in arts administration and works as a community artist and educator. Formerly an art and Advanced Placement art history teacher, her background in education fosters a desire to make art accessible to everyone as she creates work that incorporates themes or images that encourage connection. Bantz often explores identity, place and her Korean American ethnicity through her work — taking everyday objects or scenes and transforming them, thereby forcing viewers to experience something in a new way. Her goal is rather simple: educate and foster connection through art.
The exhibition and surrounding events were a partnership between the HUB-Robeson Galleries, Adult Learner Programs and Services, and Residence Life — all units of Student Affairs — as well as the Sustainability Institute.
For more information, contact the HUB-Robeson Galleries at 814-865-2563 or visit the Galleries' website. Keep up to date with the HUB-Robeson Galleries by signing up for its Listserv or following on Instagram @hubrobesongalleries.