Get cozy this winter with arts, ink.
Welcome to arts, ink., where our student artists and writers are given a forum to illuminate the Michigan student experience through art. Why not get cozy at home and read, watch and listen to some of what they’ve created this fall… We’ve compiled some of our favorite posts from the past few months under the “Winter Break Reading List” tag for you to enjoy!
If you’re a U-M student interested in becoming a weekly contributor, there may be a position available to get paid for your work. We review applications and hire new bloggers twice a year, in September and January. Read more about Blogging Opportunities here!
Email us at arts@umich.edu with questions.
Art Biz with Liz: Ending 2020 with Classical Music
What “normal” aspect of life on campus do you miss the most? Game days? Studying in Hatcher? One of the things that I miss the most about a “normal” school year at the university is the vast array of live performances. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of concert halls, theaters, and opera houses across the country. Those on campus were not excluded, and it’s been strange to walk past Hill Auditorium and think about its emptiness.
2020 was a tumultuous year. Still, there were plenty of inspiring performances throughout it that demonstrated artists’ dedication to keeping their art forms going. Shutdowns sparked a flood of videos across the internet that showcased determined singers and musicians, both amateur and professional, performing from their homes. The shift towards online was not only encouraged but necessary as online viewers became the only audience. With grace and determination, live performances became synonymous with livestream, a moving reminder of the flexibility and unity needed to survive trying times.
It only seemed fair to end 2020 by listening to the art that I have greatly admired throughout the pandemic. Since the start of my college career, I’ve been grateful to Arts at Michigan, the University Musical Society (UMS), and friends I met on campus for introducing me to the magic that is live classical music in the form of professional quartets, orchestras, and more. I remember seeing the Takács Quartet with clarinetist Anthony McGill, for example, at the Rackham auditorium in April of my freshman year. Yesterday, I watched and listened to the Takács Quartet again, only this time through a special reprise of a UMS digital presentation that was available for streaming through December 31st. Listening to the emotional drama unfold in Price’s String Quartet No. 2 in a minor (Mvt. ii) and the dizzying array of timbres in Debussy’s String Quartet in g minor (Mvts. iii, iv) seemed like a fitting end to 2020. Whatever next year brings, I wish you health, happiness, and *hopefully* a live concert or two.
Check out the UMS website to read more about digital presentations being offered this season.
Study Hal: Week 30 – Surprise Gifts
Happy holidays, everyone! It’s been a nice and restful break over here. Today, though, a special surprise shook things up: Hal got a late-coming package from his cousin Fil!
Fil started knitting during the first lockdown. Apparently, he’s only been getting better, because he managed to make a whole hat for Hal! It’s not quite the right size and style for Hal’s head? But, it’s the thought that counts. Hal had to call him to thank him for the gift right away.
Did you get any late-arriving surprises from relatives? More likely, did you catch up with loved ones over the phone? However you’re celebrating the end of the year, Hal and I wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
For those of you not in the know, Hal is a U-M student studying remotely this school year! Check out the Study Hal tag for more of his antics, or come back on Tuesdays in the new year for new installments!
+KHAOS+ EP.8: PARALLEL
+KHAOS+ EP.8: PARALLEL
+KHAOS+ EP.8: PARALLEL
After arriving at the unknown planet currently known as Ellea, Milo and Ed spot a robotic creature–similar to the ones that the previous meteor released. Not only does the creature catch their attention, but also the eerie deep holes on Ellea that seem to contain tubes filled with liquid, spinal cords, and robot parts. The tubes seem to resemble the projects SALV Corp has been working on–the production of SALV robots to protect humanity. It seems like Milo and Ed are not alone, as two mysterious figures spy on them from a distance.
+Author’s Comment+
I am back! I just want to clarify that the name Ellea doesn’t mean anything, I just thought it sounded cool. 😄 Hoping everyone had a wonderful Christmas; only three more days of 2020 left!
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