FINALIST - 2005

Maya Freelon “You must be the change you wish to see in this World” -M.K. Ghandi When I first learned of my nomination for the Pepper Prize, I can honestly say that I did not feel like the ‘Lafayette Ideal’, whatever that was. This misguided perception was the result of thinking that I did not look, or act like someone the majority of the Lafayette community would vote for. However, when I gave the idea more thought, I realized that I always strive to be the change I want to see in the world; that action embodies the essence of what the Pepper Prize represents. Over the past four years I strove to promote diversity through programming in hopes to heighten awareness on Lafayette's campus. In and outside of the college community I represented Lafayette as an institution where you can do anything if you have goals, ambition, and a plan. As both a teaching assistant and resident advisor during my sophomore year, I wasted no time in getting involved on campus. As my academic prowess expanded, I developed further by studying and exhibiting abroad in Paris, France, and am currently an intern and artist-in-residence at EJ Designs Studio in Boston, Mass. These achievements would not have been possible without a solid foundation at Lafayette and a very supportive and encouraging faculty. I not only took advantage of off-campus opportunities, but also I returned to the community to share the wealth of knowledge and experience I gained. This nomination exemplifies the expansion and redefinition of the Lafayette Ideal, thus providing encouragement to students who are currently uncertain as to what type of student embodies this award. With or without the Pepper Prize, I will continue to make a difference in the world, and know that the true reward is observing the impact.

 

Major: Art
Thesis: “Exploration of Hybrigitals”

Academic Activities/Awards:

• Riley Temple ’71 Creative and Artistic Citizenship Award (’05);
• National Conference on Undergraduate Research Presentation: “Is Digital Art ‘Fine’? NCUR proceedings paper: ‘Articulating Art: Redefining Mixed Media Through Hybrigitals’ ('05);
• EJ Designs Artistic Coordinator/Artist in Residence (Spring ’05)--working closely with CEO of EJ Designs, Ekua Holmes, assist in running the company in her absence, establish and conduct meetings, contact artists and create an inventory. Will also be the artist-in-residence at the EJ Designs Art Gallery (‘05);
• Faith Ringgold Art Internship (Fall ’04)--Advanced level of work at the Experimental Printmaking Institute, overseeing projects and continuing close relationships with EPI advisory board, which includes Faith Ringgold and Sam Gilliam. Meet with Mrs. Ringgold regularly, help run a her limited edition print, which was commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Also creating a limited edition Jazz Suite Series Book published by EPI;
• Dean’s List (Fall ‘01-Spring ’03, Spring ’04-Fall ’05);
• Selected to write introduction to exhibition catalogue for ‘Allan Freelon: Pioneer African American Impressionist’ ('04);
• EXCEL Scholar with Professor Curlee Holton (’03-’04);
• Study Abroad Program: American University in Paris (’04);
• Teaching Assistant (Fall Semester ‘02 and ’03)--TA for African American Art History (’02) and Beginning Printmaking (‘03), helped with lesson plans, office work, led class when Professor Curlee Holton was away.

ART EXHIBITIONS

• Solo exhibitions:
  • July 2003, Inherits, The Freelon House, Durham, N.C.
  • May 2001, Senior Show: Expressive Interpretations, Grubbs Gallery, The Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, Mass.
• Group exhibitions:
  • May 2005, Senior Honors Thesis Show, Lafayette College, Easton, Pa.
  • December 2004, Portlock Center Group Show, Lafayette College, Easton, Pa.
  • October 2004, Craven Allen Online Gallery: http://www.cravenallengallery.com/galleries.html
  • September 2004, The Body Show, Craven Allen Gallery, Durham, N.C.
  • June 2004, And then there were 3 Combes Gallery, American University of Paris, Paris, France

FEATURED ART PUBLICATIONS

• 500 Years Later, ‘05. AYA, Pa., ’04/’03 (Cover Art ’04);
• The Herald Sun Newspaper, N.C., Oct. ‘04;
• Metro Magazine, N.C., Oct. ’04;
• Boulé Journal July ’04;
• BAM, N.Y., Aug. ’04;.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

• January 2005, North Carolina A&T Art Museum Gallery Talk ‘Allan Freelon: Pioneer African American Impressionist’
• November 2004, Woodmere Art Museum Gallery Talk/Tour ‘Allan Freelon: Pioneer African American Impressionist’
• March 2004, North Carolina Central Art Museum Gallery Talk ‘Allan Freelon: Pioneer African American Impressionist’

Campus Service Activities:

• Organized a school wide panel discussion ‘Is That Your B***h? sponsored by Nia (’04);
• Mural Project Fall (’04)--Organized project teams, researched, planned and conducted meetings. Scanned, collaged, and manipulated images using Photoshop to create the base canvas for the mural that will be printed and hung in Farinon Center;
• Presidential Search Committee (‘04);
• Intercultural Dean Search Committee (‘04);
• Fashion Show Co-Chair (’04-’05)--Organized and ran the Black History Month Fashion Show with Terese Brown ‘07;
• Resident Advisor ('02) South-('03) Soles;
• Student Panel Representative (Fall ’03)--On a panel for prospective students;
• RA Diversity Committee (‘02-’03)--We thought of ways to help RAs plan multi-cultural events and promote diversity;
• Siblings Weekend Leader (’03)--Organized events and ran an Association of Black Collegians siblings weekend.

Community Service Activities:

• Big Sister (‘01-’03);
• Kids In the Community (’02)--Helped with afterschool programs;
• Red Cross Volunteer ('01-'04)--Raised money, donated blood;
• Trick or Treat on the Hill (’01-’02)--Organized and ran a pre-party event for trick-or-treaters;
• Nia Community Service Committee (’02)--Gathered donations and food for five families in Easton on Thanksgiving.

Athletics:

• ABC’s Club Flag Football (‘03)

Special Interest Group Activities:

• President of Nia: Minority Women’s Group ‘04 (member ‘01-‘05)--Planned, organized and conducted meetings every other week, planned activities and established a women’s support group;
• Kwanzaa Committee (’04)--Planned and organized events and entertainment for Kwanzaa;
• Association of Black Collegians (member ‘01-'05);
• Black History Month Poster Image (’04)--created a digital collage of past and present students and faculty;
• Actress: ‘For Colored Girls...’ ('02)--participated in a student run play production (Director: Simmone Chadden ’04).

Website: www.mayafreelon.com