Farquhar College and Oscar Thomas Foundation Host “Celebrating Our Differences”

Students participate in the interactive workshops held on the NSU campus.	Award recipients at the awards ceremony

From left: A. Nanci Thomas, founder and director of the Oscar Thomas Foundation; Don Rosenblum, Ph.D., dean of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences; Irv Kiffin, chairman, Oscar Thomas Foundation.

The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences joined the Oscar Thomas Foundation in presenting “Celebrating Our Differences” on April 16 at NSU. Inspired by novelist and poet Audre Lorde and prolific artist Oscar Thomas, “Celebrating Our Differences”showcased the artistic works of local high school students who demonstrated diversity through the arts.

Over 200 students submitted work in the categories of visual arts, performance, and writing. Of these, the top 30 students in each category were invited to NSU for a special day, which entailed interactive workshops, campus tours, a reception and awards ceremony. All students received certificates for their participation in the program. The top five entries in each category received scholarships to NSU from the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, while the top 10 in each category were given cash prizes by the Oscar Thomas Foundation. The awards ceremony was well-attended by students, parents, and teachers.

The following workshops were presented by faculty members of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences:

• Writing: “Jogging Your Memory and Finding a Story to Write” with Kate Waites, Ph.D., professor in the Division of Humanities
• Writing: “Visual Strategies for Writing” with Eric Mason, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Humanities
• Art: “Photoshop Layer Effects Unmasked!” with Debbie Rose Myers, M.F.A.,  adjunct instructor  in the Division of Humanities
• Art: “The Scenic Arts – Paint and Texture” with Dan Gelbmann, M.F.A., visiting professor in the Division of Humanities
• Performance: “Who, What, When & Where? Character Improv!” with Mark Duncan, M.F.A., assistant professor and coordinator of performing arts in the Division of Humanities
• Performance: “Discovering Your Singing Voice” with Bill Adams, D.M.A., assistant professor in the Division of Humanities

A well known billboard and mural artist, Thomas cared deeply about the needs of children, young adults, senior citizens, and educational causes. The Foundation carries forward Thomas’ vision of empowering children, young adults, and senior citizens through art, education, and community service by helping them to understand that they are not only a unique work of art, but an equally valued member of society. The partnership between the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and the Oscar Thomas Foundation exemplifies the power of education in engaging and inspiring today’s youth.