Renowned Brazilian Artist Clóvis Júnior visits Osceola Campus

By Kyle Beard

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — An explosion of color filled the lobby in Osceola campus' auditorium where dozens of Valencia students gathered to admire the paintings of renowned Brazilian artist Clóvis Júnior.

A native of Paraíba, Brazil and a resident of the city of João Pessoa, Júnior showcased over 20 of his favorite paintings on Friday, March 20.

Júnior's paintings represent a unique style that combines both beauty and message. Delving from themes such as the rich folklore of Brazil, nature itself and his own faith, Júnior uses his craft as a method to send a message.

"I want to help man reapproximate himself with nature," Júnior said while explaining the theme of his artwork. "Some people are afraid to even put their bare feet in the sand. This is absurd!" To Júnior, the message he sends is nearly as important as the artwork itself.

Júnior's status as a renowned international painter was first recognized when in 1993, he entered a painting titled "Our Future in Drugs" in the National Billboard Competition — an event promoted by the United Nations and nearly 150 countries.

Júnior pit his painting against approximately 4,000 other entries and came out on top with first prize. His "naïve" style of painting is now recognized in over 55 different countries.

"He tries to promote joy and happiness in his work," said Conso Nansaram, a general studies major here at Valencia. "It's a toast to the simpler thing in life."

Nansaram, as well as many other attendees were particularly fond of "Bumba Meu Boi on Times Square", which is a painting that depicts a famous Brazilian folklore bull with cashew apples for horns visiting New York City.

Another favorite — titled "A Ceia" — depicts Christ and his disciples at the Last Supper.

"It's about Jesus and it represents my faith" said Edward Rivera, another Osceola campus student, "All of his disciples are represented by different colors or cultures. It's a very powerful message." Message was Júnior passion above all.

"I love life. I love living" said Júnior "Hope has become my greatest drive."

Júnior and his paintings will also be visiting the West Campus on Thursday, March 26 in the Library. Júnior's exhibit is presented by the Central Florida Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce.

Valencia Performing Arts Center hosts Faculty Recital

By Kyle Beard

ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 50 members of the Valencia community gathered at the East Campus Performing Arts Center for a chance to hear their mentors perform on Thursday, February 12th.

The faculty recital is an annual event that gives students and members of the Orlando community a chance to get into the music and hear the work of their professors and colleagues.

"Our musical faculty is training the next generation of professional musicians," said the event organizer and interim dean for Arts and Entertainment Wendy Givoglu. "It's a really good opportunity for Valencia students and the community to be able to hear the talent of their professors."

The event showcased five performances consisting of guitar, piano and vocal pieces. Two of the pieces — performed by pianists Omar Surillo and Antonio Brett — were original compositions.

The theme was largely Latin American and Hispanic music, but ranged everywhere from pieces written by Robert Schumann to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"There's a lot of hispanic culture in the area and the students love it," said Brett, a native of Cuba, who performed two original pieces titled 'Sonatina for Intermediate level based on Latin Rhythm' and 'Guajira in G minor.'

"I grew up around this type of music," said Daniel Chacon, a student here at Valencia, "the theme is very familiar."

The recital was a portion of the ongoing United Arts of Central Florida Arts Festival and the Valencia Arts and Entertainment Festival.

"I grew up appreciating music and this is really helping to broaden my horizons," said Andrea Justice, "I'll definitely be attending more after this."

Mass Communications

By Kyle Beard

In the past 15 weeks, I have gone through a bit of a change in opinion in regards to the “Mass Media.” Prior to taking the Mass Communications class, my views regarding mass media were a bit skeptical. I found myself annoyed by advertisements and poor practices used in distributing information — particularly with television and large advertising campaigns.

Before, I saw mass communications as a huge ploy to hark products such as Nike, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. I saw it as perhaps an arrogant and greedy effort to get Americans to spend money. To coin a cliché, I learned to “not judge a book by its cover.”
I learned that there is a deep and unique subculture involved in producing these means of communication.

In reading the Wall Street Journal, I have gained a new appreciation for the technology behind our information distribution practices. I learned that we — as human beings — are moving toward a technological state of mind and dependency. Where as a few short years ago, we relied on printed newspapers, magazines and books, we are now developing different ways of communicating and sharing overall creativity.

I will continue to renew my Wall Street Journal subscription after this class to support print newspapers and publications. Also in part, to stay in touch with the wealth of information offered to us by Mass Media devices.

In all, I have gained an entirely new appreciation for journalists of all persuasions — whether it be print, broadcast or Internet. I think it is important to support all of these mediums. It is important for people to have a choice in how they receive their information. I, for one, think it will be a sad day when some of our media outlets inevitably disappear.

I haven’t decided whether or not I will continue to pursue a career in mass communications. I do know, that I want to make a difference. I want to be able to say that my efforts have helped someone somewhere. What I do know, is that mass communication is a device that I will need in pursuing that goal and that I am better for the things I have learned in this class.

The Return of the Yard Sale

By Kyle Beard

ORLANDO, Fla. — Yard sales or garage sales — whichever term you prefer — are largely an American tradition during the Spring months. They are often associated with the turn in the weather and an opportunity to get rid of excess junk for Spring-cleaning.

However, this year, there is a different theme behind pushing all of that stuff out onto the lawn.

“We’re just trying to put a few extra bucks in our pocket” said Troy Lancaster, yard sale proprietor and east Orlando resident.

In the midst of economic recession and a need for many Central Floridians save every penny, yard sales are becoming increasingly popular. More than 100 different ads popped up in Orlando on the weekend of April 25 alone.

“The idea is still getting rid of junk that just takes up space,” said Lancaster “it certainly doesn’t hurt to put a few bucks in our pockets at the same time, though.”

The theory goes both ways. While the proprietors feel the increasing need to sell it, neighbors are feeling the same pressure to buy it. In the same way, people are searching for cheap deals in order to save.

“I’m looking for baby clothes,” said Linda Delgado, a 21-year-old Orlando resident and yard sale browser.

The increased popularity is clearly visible. Lancaster’s sale boasted more than 15 shoppers at a time — at one point even congesting the street due to cars parked alongside the road.

After the integration of the Internet into most homes, many neighborhoods saw their yard sales all but disappear. The convenience allowed for penny-savers to simply log into auction Web sites such as Ebay.com.

“Some folks prefer to do it the old-fashioned way,” said Anne Draper, 58, a yard sale veteran and self-proclaimed expert. “I personally appreciate the community involved.”

Community still seems to be the main theme, however it cannot be denied that the popularity of the yard sale is due in part to a struggling economy.

“This is a way for us to get together and help each other out,” said Draper “we can do our own part in picking up our feet and getting past these depressing times.”

Mike Adkins reaches out to those in need

By Kyle Beard

ORLANDO, Fla. — Easter is more than searching for multi-colored eggs and gorging yourself with chocolate bunnies this year.

Mike Adkins, pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Orlando and his congregation are doing something more for the community.

Together with the Destiny Foundation — an organization founded to aid struggling families in Central Florida — Adkins and Grace Fellowship were able to raise donations for over 500 bags of groceries for the working poor at Lake Eola on Sunday, April 11.

“Some people see it as a hand out… it’s more of a hand up,” said Adkins “Our goal is to return families to self-sufficiency so they won’t need the Destiny Foundation.”

The working poor are defined as families that make less than $25,000 a year. According to Adkins, there are over 300,000 to 350,000 working poor in Florida — a massive need in Central Florida that the Destiny Foundation was created to meet.

More than 1200 people showed up for the Easter at Eola service. In Adkins’s mind, the goal isn’t to “shove Jesus down your throat,” but to open the minds and hearts of families in need.

“We want to spend less time wagging our fingers and more time becoming the hands and feet of Jesus,” said Adkins. “People tend to open their hearts and minds when they know that your care.”

That is the philosophy of Adkins. The idea — above all — is to mimic Christ in helping out less fortunate families in the community.

But it doesn’t just stop at the community. The Destiny Foundation also reaches out abroad. The mission includes aid to Rwanda — a leap to help out impoverished people in Africa. Volunteers were able to contribute by building wells providing clean water to poor villages.

“There has been a dramatic increase in need because of this economic downturn,” said Adkins “We are thankful we can help.”