CSA hosts Mid-Autumn Festival
Photos courtesy of Sydney Seifried
On Sunday evening, Sept. 27, in the May Poetter Gallery, the Chinese Student Association (CSA) presented the fundraiser they spent the preceding two weeks planning.
When entering the building, three female members of the CSA and two security guards greeted students and faculty. Food was provided for a $5 donation. With a meal ticket, guests experienced both main courses and desserts such as Moon Cake, Egg Tart, Butterfly Cookies and Glutinous Rice Sesame balls that represented Chinese culture.
Though the majority of the attendees were Chinese, a fair amount of supporters — students and faculty alike — participated.
“It’s always nice to learn about a different culture,” said third-year animation major Bruno Angel Londono from Manizales, Colombia.
Many volunteers entertained the space with activities such as nail art, a ring toss competition, the creation of lantern riddles, Chinese costumes and more.
Alternative items for purchase were also available both at the canteen for additional food or drinks, and at surrounding tables for other sales.
In addition, having worked as an International Orientation Assistant for four years, the current president of the CSA, Siji Chen, shared her thoughts on the function. Chen — from Chengdu, China — has a degree in animation, and is a currnet motion media graduate student
“We have food and other things we want to expose to American people. A lot of people only think about Japan, but we have Korean history and Chinese history,” said Chen. “I love to get in touch with new students and hear what their problem is. Chinese people (at SCAD) are too shy and they don’t talk in class. But we have young energy.”
The president’s inspiration for the event derived from an art history class she is currently enrolled in: The Art of China, taught by Professor Keehong Kim.
“Professor Kim inspires me so much, how much he knows about the history,” said Chen.
T
he event planners did mention their posters being removed after one mere day of their posting; however, the turnout of the event was no reflection of this admitted struggle.
“I found out about the event through my friends, I was invited by them a couple days ago. I have a diverse group of friends and I want to know more about their culture. It’s nice to have the experience,” said second-year graduate student in the school of performing arts Malcolm McCollum Jr. from Fort Myers, Florida.
SCAD looks forward to yet another Spring Festival, one the CSA has put on for the school since 2012. This event will take place, like prior years, nearer to the CSA office, helping to promote their activity and position here at SCAD.
