Kalamazoo Valley Faculty and Staff Showcase Spotlights Everyday Creativity

Kalamazoo Valley's faculty and staff exhibition at the Center for New Media's Arcus Gallery showcased a wide range of creative talent across the college. Organizers say it was a great success and a wonderful opportunity to showcase our Kalamazoo Valley community.

"When we broaden our view of what art is, we begin to see creativity in everything - in the kitchen, the workshop, the classroom and our own homes," said Thomas Hamann, director of Ambient Learning Experiences and coordinator of campuses. "Recognizing disciplines like culinary arts, food styling, welding and metalwork, automotive restoration and customization and many other forms of creative expression expand not only our definition of art, but encourages us to find beauty and ingenuity in the functional, practical and everyday world around us."

Jadon Hawkins, food and beverage coordinator and director of Cougar Catering presented an edible culinary-inspired piece for the show. He said food has long represented memory, culture and connection in his life, making it a natural medium for artistic expression.

"I wanted to highlight how something so everyday can be transformed into something extraordinary," he said. "It felt like the perfect way to blend my professional world with my creative instincts."

Hawkins said his culinary work is an important form of self-expression because each menu he coordinates or presentation he designs "tells a story."

"Sometimes it's about comfort, sometimes celebration, sometimes innovation," he said. "Food is deeply personal, and through it, I get to express parts of myself that words can't always capture."

He said he was most proud of how viewers responded to the piece.

"Watching folks pause, smile and engage with the work reminded me why I love what I do," he said. "It sparked curiosity and conversation, and that's the heart of any good art."

Hawkins said the concept developed over time, but the final execution took roughly 10 to 12 hours across several days.

"Every element was intentional," he said. "I wanted to honor both the artistic and culinary sides of the concept."

The exhibit will continue to be on display until Nov. 26 at the Center for New Media's Arcus Gallery.