Texas A&M University-Texarkana Counseling Services hosted an event to reduce stress amongst the lives of students and faculty on campus. As we all know, college can be a really tough time for many, which adds to the stress levels on an individual. To reduce this, alcohol tile painting was brought to campus.
A&M-Texarkana Counseling Services brought in a professional painter to give a one-on-one / private session to students. Students were given three tiles to make beautiful tile “paintings.” The tiles could have been used as a coaster, a painting, or however one would like it to be. After being given the tiles, the painter gave students a brief tutorial on how the process works. She gave them an apron, a various array of colors, paintbrushes, and alcohol so students could spread their colors to make a masterpiece.
The event lasted from about 11-2 in Eagle Lounge of the University Center and students left with an urge for more. Who knew that painting tiles could reduce stress?
Local talent isn’t hard to find if you know where to look, even in a place like Texarkana. Chatter in the halls of Texas A&M – Texarkana suggests that local Millennials and Gen Z groupies aren’t satisfied with the local attractions, mostly because there are few. But, things might be changing, especially for the local music community. Hopkins Ice House downtown hosts a mic night and Scotties Grill offers events promoting local artists.
“Owl Fest,” Compliments of the Owl Crisis Media Website
These events are nothing like Shreveport’s Owl Fest. It’s an hour’s drive, but interactivity and community involvement makes it worthwhile for young adults looking to just hang out and support local talent, a place for people to feel welcome and to embrace their gifts. One story has altered my perception of such small venue events, that of Luke Lindsey.
Compliments of Owl crisis Media, from the Owl Crisis Media Facebook Page
Owl Fest is a collaborative showcase for R&B and Rap artists. Isaiah Polk is its mastermind. Polk runs a multimedia group called Owl Crisis Media which travels throughout the tri-state area to compete in video game events and enhance the lives of talented musicians and poets.
Luke Lindsey met Isaiah at a competitive gaming event and they’ve been working together ever since, bringing a once-shy Luke into the limelight, or at least the dimly lit budget stage where many have cherished closeness with those in the community.
Luke goes by the stage name Sad Boi, but he’s full of cheer and motivational spirit. His friends keep him motivated. “Expressing yourself through music is like the best thing ever,” Luke says. He frequently uses his friends as critics.
Photo by Allison Hall Luke Lindsey Left, Isaiah Polk Right
The importance of local outlets for local talent is paramount. Since Owl Fest, Luke has recorded several tracks and performed for audiences he might not have been able to tackle alone. The goal of events like Owl Fest, he says, is to “help each other grow.” “It’s easier when you have someone there to help.” All participants help each other. They get on stage and hype each other up. For Luke, it’s all about “hyping ya’ boy up.” He says one has to support and encourage for those around you, and that’s Luke motivation in life.
Photo by Allison Hall
Bottom line, such community events bring to light a community’s richness. Luke uses the word “depressing” to describe his feelings toward the lack of similar events in Texarkana, mostly because his main goal isn’t to pursue music as a career. He just wants to promote fun and goodwill for those willing to share their time. And that could be what anyone might want from these events. At TAMUT alone we have so many musical, graphic, and literary artists. Maybe if we all came together like Isaiah’s group and worked hand in hand to make a place for ourselves within Texarkana, we could begin to lift each other up instead of spending our time wishing we had something to do.
Here’s an inside look into the mind of Luke and his take on the life of using talent as a hobby, filmed by Allison Hall.
Looking to get a jump-start on Texarkana Christmas festivities? Well, look no further! One of the more fun and creative events downtown is the Window Wonderland Contest, a chance for merchants to showcase artistic talent with the best Christmas design for shoppers and strollers.
Contestants started installing displays as early as November 1st, so stop by with the kids downtown on your Christmas lights tour. Let the kids help you decide which windows give you that warm, cozy feeling.
Contestants’ window designs need not mimic the theme, “My Favorite Christmas Memory”, as long as they fall within event guidelines, such as filling the entire window space, not using fresh flowers or inflatables, maintaining professionalism, and so on.
2017 Window Display, compliments of Jennifer Keathly at TXK Today
You can find more contest rules here. Ten windows remain available to business owner participants. This year’s prizes are worth a shot, with Best In Snow (overall best piece) receiving $750, Window Wonderland (best window design) earning $250, Holiday Fame (the crowd favorite) winning a gift basket, and Deck the Door (best door design) receiving a variety of downtown gifts from locals. But the event is really less about the prizes or the glory than about bringing families together to celebrate a season near and dear to many.
2017 Window Wonderland Contesting Window, compliments of Texarkana Gazette staff
The chance to register began on November 1st of 2018 and will continue until November 15th, when all displays must be up, or until all no more window units remain available. Judges will be able to see a display between November 15 and December 2, and will announce the winners at this year’s Christmas Parade in downtown Texarkana on the 3rd. To register, submit this application to txkdna@yahoo.com or, visit Main Street Texarkana to register online. Don’t miss out!
