CSU Pueblo to highlight public art and entertainment at Creative Experience ‘24
Release Date: June 24, 2024
PUEBLO, Colo., June 24, 2024 - In a testament to CSU Pueblo's commitment to fostering local talent and strengthening community ties, students from the university's Public Art & Entertainment class are set to showcase Pueblo's vibrant arts scene. The class will host "The Creative Experience," a free public event featuring music, poetry, and art at Fuel & Iron Food Hall on Thursday, June 27, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This initiative highlights CSU Pueblo's role as a cornerstone of education and cultural development in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, particularly for first-generation college students. The project, led by practicing visual and digital graffiti artist Kim Pluskota, who works across various mediums, has engaged students with local creatives, offering invaluable real-world experience.
"Our goal is to understand what Pueblo has to offer and give students opportunities to gain knowledge from industry professionals," Pluskota explained. "We're creating products to help the community learn about and enjoy the creative experience."
The class has produced a zine, "Pueblo Creative Spotlight," featuring local art spots, festivals, and events. This publication, available in print and digital formats, serves as a comprehensive guide to Pueblo's growing creative economy.
Throughout the summer class, students have the opportunity to learn from local artists and community leaders like Javier Quiñones of Mad Fresh Productions. He shared insights on operating a non-profit and producing dynamic festivals in Pueblo. Artist John Wilbar opened his studio to students, showcasing his diverse portfolio and emphasizing the importance of arts education for youth.
Holly Ward, a student in the summer class, reflected on her experience interviewing Cynthia Ramu about the Pueblo Levee Murals, "I truly felt the passion of Ramu for the Pueblo Levee Mural Project. For decades, she has contributed to the levee paintings... This points out the fact that it is obviously not about the money for Ramu, but rather it is about the passion to contribute unique beauty in the public art scene within the community of Pueblo."
The class's efforts extend beyond the classroom, aiming to promote Pueblo's artistic community and provide a platform for local creatives. Students get to experience how every artist plays a different and necessary part in the overall health and development of a community. This project further exemplifies CSU Pueblo's dedication to experiential learning and its role in nurturing the cultural landscape of Pueblo and the surrounding regions.
For more information about "The Creative Experience" event or to contribute to the ongoing "Pueblo Creative Spotlight" project, contact pueblocreativespotlight@socostudentmedia.com or call 719-549-2010.
About Department of Media and Entertainment
The Department of Media & Entertainment is where technological innovation and experiential learning meets the humanities, social sciences, arts, and business. It offers a pragmatic and professionally oriented undergraduate program designed to prepare majors for successful careers in the media, entertainment, and communication industries. The department is home to SOCO Student Media, home of The Today, Rev 89, Digital Sandbox, and SOCO Design. Through student media, students engage in professional media practice across the fields of multimedia journalism, strategic communication and design, sound and film production, and media sales and management.
