The third annual University of Idaho MLK Art and Essay Contest is accepting submissions of art and writing from undergraduate, graduate and professional students enrolled this semester.
The university’s Ubuntu Committee, a group of faculty dedicated to serving the needs of under-represented students, facilitates the contest.
Ubuntu faculty member and English professor Erin James said the contest is meant to provide students an opportunity to celebrate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year, the prompt for participating artists and writers is environmental injustice.
She said while talking about diversity in a classroom setting can feel pretty high-stakes sometimes, the MLK contest allows an outlet where students can more freely discuss diversity.
“It’s rare we get to pause and talk about what (diversity) means to us, and I think this contest is really good for that,” James said.
The committee hopes to see even more students participate this year, James said, as part of the initiative is to encourage students outside of the art and writing programs to get involved in the contest. Ubuntu has made an effort to reach out to UI’s architecture majors.
“We want to encourage people to be artistic and literary with the things they’re actually studying,” James said.
The contest traditionally accepts physical artwork and essays, but James said the contest has broadened to include videography and creative writing this year. Regardless as to what medium students use to address this year’s topic, James said the exciting part is seeing students celebrate King’s message in their own way.
“That’s really inspiring, right? To see people talk really personally about diversity,” she said.
Last year’s winner in the undergraduate art category took that personal approach to another level, James said. The artist, Hunter Van Bramer, created a book-like piece of art that consisted of several intricate layers which came together to depict one image.
“Every individual layer represents a University of Idaho student, which can stand alone strongly, but together can create a greater sense of depth and purpose,” he said. “Each layer is marked with a student’s thought, quote or belief about what is happening in our current society.”
Last year’s topic revolved around the message of visiting speaker and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, Alicia Garza. Van Bramer, who graduated from UI last spring with a degree in interior design, said a photo taken during the Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike in 1968 inspired him. The workers held signs that read “I am a man,” sending the message that they were all the same — all human.
“This image was so powerful that I wanted to recreate its integrity with an art piece that symbolized the values and importance of this movement,” Van Bramer said.
Aside from the chance to win prize money, Van Bramer said the MLK contest offers students a chance to have their artwork shown in the Idaho Commons Reflections Gallery regardless as to whether or not they win.
“Students also have a chance to explore what diversity is and give their opinions, views and beliefs (on) all subject matter related past, present and future,” he said.
Categories for submissions include undergraduate art, undergraduate essay, graduate art and graduate essay. Winners in each category receive $500, and honorable mentions win $100.
The deadline for the MLK Art and Essay Contest is 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Essays and creative writings should be emailed to [email protected] and artwork is being accepted at the College of Law Dean’s Office until the deadline.
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @lyndsie_kiebert