Multicultural Student Services

Exhibit Dates: April 1 – May 10 Tylonn Sawyer Blacktopia: Detroit 3000 (AI Project)

Tylonn J. Sawyer is an American multidisciplinary artist educator and curator. Trained in figurative arts-based practices Sawyer’s work juxtaposes themes of identity–both individual and collective–with investigations of race and history in popular culture. 

FSU Fine Art Gallery

Monday, April 15
7:00pm-9:30pm
BUS 111

In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (celebrated nationally in May), the Asian Student Organization and Ferris State University | Office of Multicultural Students Services will be co-hosting Movie and Discussion (Raya and the Last Dragon).

Disney film: “Raya and the Last Dragon” takes us on an exciting, epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VIZ89FEjYI

Following the film, ASO will discuss how the movie represents Asian culture. (snacks will be provided).

Ovidilio Vásquez is a National Leadership Keynote Speaker. He went from being a farmboy raised in a poor village in the sugarcane fields of Central America to working for global companies like; Apple, Uber, Salesforce, Tesla, and General Motors.

Tuesday, April 16th, 2pm DEC Ballrooms.

Tuesday, April 16
3:30pm - 4:30pm
DEC 116

In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (celebrated nationally in May), Ferris State University | Office of Multicultural Student Services will provide a 1-hour pop-up event on the history of the Japanese art of Origami.

Origami (折り紙), once confined to the realm of playful endeavors, has evolved into a captivating art form, where skilled artists metamorphose basic geometric shapes into awe-inspiring imaginative creations. Fond memories of initial origami ventures often trace back to elementary schools, where basic skills were honed, and paper animals, planes, and various objects were crafted with friends and family.

At its core, origami art embodies the traditional Japanese game of meticulously folding designed paper into a myriad of shapes, ranging from plants and animals to other living entities. While ancient origami had fewer rigid rules, modern origami demands a square sheet of paper with no cuts, glue, or markings during the folding process. With a handful of basic folds, anyone can bring intricate designs to life. The choice of origami paper, with its varying color, thickness, and porosity, becomes a crucial element influencing the visual impact of the crafted piece. What sets origami apart is its simplicity—a mere piece of origami paper and a dash of creative imagination are all that's required.

https://www.toki.tokyo/blogt/2016/4/4/origami-the-japanese-tradition-of-paper-folding

Wednesday, April 17
5:30pm-7:30pm
FLITE 304

In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (celebrated nationally in May), Ferris State University | Office of Multicultural Student Services will provide history of the Kabuki mask and provide masks for students to paint during this 2 hour event.

Kabuki and Noh are evolving with the times. Here’s how to experience them.

In the ancient artform of Noh, masked figures clad in elaborate robes use songs and chants to weave tales of gods and ghosts, love and loss from Japanese legends. It emerged in the 14th century, making it one of the world’s oldest surviving theater traditions. But despite its long history and influence over other art forms—including Kabuki—Noh remains relatively lesser known.

Although both Noh and Kabuki are steeped in centuries of tradition, innovations such as extended reality (XR), immersive stages, and adaptations from popular shows and manga are pushing the boundaries of both mediums.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/japanese-theater-noh-kabuki

Monday, April 22
7:00pm-9:00pm
IRC Connector

In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (celebrated nationally in May), the Asian Student Organization and Ferris State University | Office of Multicultural Students Services will be co-hosting an event to pay tribute to the Qingming Festival. The event will have food, games, and crafts with educational components throughout the evening.

The Qingming (Pure Brightness) Festival is one of the 24 seasonal division points in China, falling on April 4-6 each year. After the festival, the temperature will rise up and rainfall increases. It is the high time for spring plowing and sowing. But the Qingming Festival is not only a seasonal point to guide farm work, it is more a festival of commemoration. http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/Festivals/78319.htm