The Office of Mentorship and Student Engagement at Augusta University held its sixth annual Unity Talent and Art Show before the Thanksgiving break. The event aimed to highlight unity and inclusivity within the campus community through student performances and artwork.
Students participated in both visual art and performing arts categories, competing for first place ($300 scholarship), second place ($150 scholarship), People’s Choice, and the Impact Award.
“The Unity Talent and Art Show celebrates our students and reflects AU’s commitment to inclusivity,” said Tori Johnson, MSE coordinator for co-curricular learning. “This event allows our students to channel their creativity and passion into something meaningful.”
Tyler Guy, a fourth-year undergraduate psychology major, and Puja Punukollu, a fourth-year dual-degree MD-MBA student, served as co-hosts. They provided commentary on each performance and artwork.
Judges included Kim Davies, PhD, dean of the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; John Blalock, a fourth-year political science major and Student Government Association president; Raysean Ricks, an Augusta University alum and communications instructor; and Laura Austin, director of Graduate Student Engagement and Success.
Winners in the Visual Art category were:
– First place ($300 scholarship) and Impact Award: Amaya Lee-Davis
– Second place ($150 scholarship) and Impact Award: Sophia Tang
– People’s Choice: Avery Watson
– Impact Award: Mia Noble and Anita Singh
Amaya Lee-Davis created a digital piece focusing on diversity across nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. She explained her approach by saying: “My passion in creative media is something that hits me extremely heavily and then less, I go through bouts of art block where I have not drawn and completed a piece for years. Art is a coping mechanism to me throughout my depressive episodes. As someone that feels emotions intensely, it was extremely important for me to include the different facial expressions on every person to show the intricacies of tone, tension and micro expressions, for the audience to wonder, ‘What are they thinking? What is their story? What could they be witnessing that makes them want to make that face? Did the illusionary camera that the art is framed catch them off guard?’”
In Performing Arts:
– First place ($300 scholarship) and Impact Award: D’Quessani Lee
– Second place ($150 scholarship): AU Sharkara
– People’s Choice: African Student Association (ASA)
D’Quessani Lee performed “I Know Where I’ve Been” from “Hairspray.” She reflected on her experience by stating: “Performing at the Unity Talent and Art Show was more than a competition to me. It was a celebration of humanity, creativity and togetherness. My passion for singing is rooted in the belief that music can heal, inspire and unite. This event embodied that truth. To stand on that stage, to share my voice and to be recognized for both artistry and impact reaffirmed my purpose: to keep singing, keep telling stories and keep reminding people that we are stronger when we rise together.”
The event showcased many student talents requiring dedication. Organizers encourage students to watch for next year’s show updates via the AU Events Calendar.
