Suffolk Reporter

The Campus Beautification Committee (CBC) at Stony Brook University recently held its first ART Tank competition, an initiative designed to foster student artists and maintain the committee's ongoing mission. The idea for the event originated during a holiday lunch among CBC members last year, where they brainstormed ways to support student artistry on campus.

In October, the inaugural ART Tank competition took place in the Stony Brook Union, featuring seven participants who showcased their artistic skills. Two winners emerged from the event: Anika Griffing and Mariana Suarez Molina. Their works will be installed in the Melville Library next semester.

Griffing expressed her enthusiasm about participating in the event: “I hope that this event will continue to brighten Stony Brook because it felt amazing to be part of it.” Her artwork will also be displayed and available for sale at the Student Health Services’ Counseling and Psychological Services Center.

Molina shared similar sentiments about ART Tank's impact: “As an international student, it was an incredible honor to have the chance to leave my own mark here at Stony Brook.” She appreciated the opportunity to showcase her art for the first time on campus.

Georgia LaMair Tomczak, a senior manager at Zuccaire Gallery and a judge for ART Tank, described her experience as an "absolute honor." She emphasized that ART Tank serves as both a platform for community building and professional development in the arts.

Chris Tanaka, associate director for finance and administration at SBU's School of Professional Development and a CBC member, highlighted how ART Tank seeks to engage "hidden artists" within the university community. He noted that art created through this initiative now exists where it did not before.

David Ecker, another CBC member who helped develop Tanaka's idea into reality, praised the diversity represented by student presentations. He believes that these artistic expressions symbolize creativity and resilience among students pursuing their careers.

Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Judi Brown Clarke remarked on ART Tank’s significance: “ART Tank empowers students to express their sense of belonging through creativity."