Artist guild offers new club for visual arts

The University is home to every type of organization from the Amorphous Jugglers to the Ballroom Dance Society. But the campus never has had a group dedicated to visual art -- until now. This past November, a handful of students decided it was time to provide undergraduates with an outlet for visual arts and promote artistic awareness within the University community. And so began the Artist Guild. The Guild, founded by Engineering sophomore and Daily Pennsylvanian artist Salman Sajid, received Student Activities Council's recognition in January as the newest artistic association at the University. And this week, the Artist Guild received $440 from SAC for art shows, lectures and supplies. Meeting every Tuesday in the Underground Cafe of High Rise North, the group encourages all members, including artists and those who appreciate art, to provide ideas and to basically say anything that comes to their minds. "People who don't do art can inspire people who do art," said Artist Guild Vice President and College sophomore Rori DuBoff. "This group also gives the opportunity for people to try other areas of art which may be new to them." DuBoff said the group incorporates art into an enjoyable social environment by providing opportunities for discussion and interaction. "Art stimulates intellectual thought," DuBoff said. "Although I'm not against the Greek system at all, I think Penn's social life could use an artistic or intellectual edge." She added the club's focus includes other art forms like poetry and dance. On March 23, the Artist Guild presented a forum for students and faculty that combined an art lecture, exhibit and coffee hour. The guild produces a monthly newsletter and has provided art for other student groups such as Intuitons and the Children's Stimulus Theater. The group has created art for shows such as "Barnum" and "Death and the Maiden," and instituted an art tutoring program in Philadelphia public schools. DuBoff said she hopes the Artist Guild will be an organization where its members feel comfortable to share their ideas. "I would like to see a warm, homey atmosphere where people can explore art, and meet others who are interested," she said.