Many students from around the world come to Penn State to study at its renown STEM programs. In fact, many IECP students usually have plans to enter engineering departments. However, the IECP knows it’s also important to cultivate students’ involvement in the arts. The arts can help students think differently, in new ways.
Recently, the IECP provided two opportunities for students to try their hand at something creative (and hopefully fun and relaxing!). First, Jackie Gianico, the Associate Director of Academics, lead the third annual IECP Paint Night. A group of students, faculty, friends and family painted a lighthouse seascape with rainbow with step-by-step instruction from Jackie.
Then, the IECP joined with the Center for Performing Arts on a new project called, IllumiNATION. Ultimately, IllumiNATION will be a “student-driven art-based festival that will include lantern-making and other illuminated workshops throughout the year and will culminate in a parade and dance party March 30th, 2020. One of the goals of IllumiNATION is to connect students to people they wouldn’t otherwise meet, specifically, we hope to bridge the gap between international and national students as well as explore how other cultures use and understand light.” IECP students, alumni, faculty and staff created gorgeous lanterns. We can’t wait to see how they will be used next year in the festival!
And if that wasn’t enough art for you, this week marks the annual Central PA Arts Fest https://arts-festival.com/. IECP students will take a walk through the downtown festival and enjoy Creamery ice-cream.
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