Art symposium April 4-8 offers free workshop experience to all students

Virtually all great artists train with great teachers, but some would-be artists never get a chance to try.

From April 4-8, all Rowan University students will have an opportunity to try different mediums for free.

The inaugural Symposium for Interdisciplinary Arts, which will be offered through the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts, will provide art-making opportunities in a wide array of disciplines for all students.

Art department professor Mina Zarfsaz said the symposium – a dozen or more open workshops – will provide students a chance to simply try their hand at art or to gain a deeper appreciation for it.

“The workshops will be ideal for students considering, for example, a minor in art,” said Zarfsaz, who teaches classes in digital media and techniques.

The symposium will include sessions on paper quilling, a centuries-old technique involving the use of strips of colored paper to make intricate designs; illustrating as storytelling; sand carving & aluminum casting; the casting of concrete (to make a geometric planter); printmaking and more.

“Workshops are great educational tools that are often fun for both faculty and students,” Zarfsaz said. “Additionally, they tend to suspend the fear of being judged and allow for creative practices to flourish.”

The symposium is open to all students but seating is limited. For more information, email zarfsaz@rowan.edu.