Idea--Art or No?

art showing

Between picking up Chicago tickets and going to the show, I took in the Senior exhibit that is currently on display in the main gallery. I want to be one of those people that have their photography for everyone to see. Some of those pictures were absolutely awesome. Some I didn't quite understand, and others were absolutely adorable. I love taking pictures, and seeing what others are able to capture in time gives me ideas of different ways to look at every day things. The black and white photos are definately my favorite...they have a timeless quality. Those pictures were awesome, and someday I want to be one of those peoople.

Posted at 10:51PM Dec 11, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[0]

Chicago baby!

Ok, so I just got home from the last showing of Chicago...I loved it. It makes me wish I could sing, dance, and act all at the same time, or even one of them for that matter. I'm not necessarily the type of girl that loves to sit through plays and musicals, but this was awesome. I want to watch the movie, as soon as finals are over, that is my plan. I loved the entire thing...a plot with suspense, comedy, and a little tugging at the heart strings...pretty much every girl's favorite movie. From my seat and untrained eye everything was perfect...I'm sure my friends on stage (you were all awesome) might disagree. I've heard about the practices...and as long as they may have been, they completely paid off. This definately opened my eyes to an art form that I never really tried to become interested in...rather than pictures and music that I tend to lean toward, theatre has caught my attention. Good job theatre department!!

Posted at 10:46PM Dec 11, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[0]

Ugly Sweaters

So last Friday, I attended my first ever "Ugly Sweater Party". Although I didn't partake in the theme, I tried (Civic Council was all out) I had a pretty good time looking at what others--guys mostly--pulled out of grandma and mom's closets. From blue sweater vests with snowmen and glittery snowflakes to red with black snowflakes..they did quite well. And just so I know that I really did try, even though the Civic Council was out, my friend Rosalie and I did go to Walmart and were going to attemp to make our own ugly sweaters...it just wasn't in the cards this time. I must say though that although it didn't work out on my first attempt, I'll try it again!!

Posted at 10:29PM Dec 11, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[0]

Christmas time...

We celebrated really early. Christmas is a big deal with our family. This past weekend, most of us got together to celebrate, eat a little food, and open a few presents. It wasn't exactly the Christmases of my younger days, but the concept was the same. about 30 of us (half) crouded around a table formation to chow down on everybody's usual...Nancy's cookie salad, mom's pumpkin bars, a little ham, lots of potatoes, and the black olives (they managed to hide a jar or two from us 'kids'). Being part of the 'adult' crowd now, Christmas is completely different for me. I am no longer in the kid drawing (I used to think I hit the jackpot), and instead am in the "Woman's drawing", from which I managed to get first pick and a cool decoration to put in my house. (I guess that's part of the 'adult' thing--I get excited about decorating my house and receiving things for my kitchen!) All in all, it was a good time, some competitive "Tripoly" playing and long-distance phone calls to those who couldn't make it home this year, and of course lots of pie. I've decided that even though it doesn't happen like it used to, adjustment can be tolerated, it's the things that can't be changed that really matter.

Posted at 01:09PM Dec 11, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[0]

Grey's and girls night...

So it's about a week late, but I'm using it anyway. Grey's Anatomy is a huge part of our pop culture in the last couple of years, and I jumped on the bandwagon with both feet. I absolutely love Grey's...I own the seasons and watching them over and over kept me entertained throughout a slow summer in Vermillion. I've even sent the seasons to my boyfriend in Japan and love getting phone calls because he's upset about what happened. Because this show is such a large part of our pop culture, I'm using it as a cultural event that happens weekly. Every Thursday, I get together with three or four of my girlfriends and either go out to eat before the show or just sit in and eat junk food while watching it. Often times we attempt homework, but find outselves sucked into the show and asking 'can you believe that just happened?" during the commercials. Needless to say, not a whole lot of homework gets done. So yes, I'm proud to admit, I'm a Grey's groupie, but I know I'm not alone...as I tend to invite others to join in, most often, I find that they already have their own 'Grey's groups'--and we all love Thursdays!

Posted at 12:58PM Dec 11, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[1]

A day in the life...

I work at a daycare. It becomes aparent to me that this is a cultural event within itself, everyday. Working with children under the age of one up to third and fourth graders on a daily basis grants a variety of opportunity and interesting observation. On a 'normal' day, I get to work at about noon--right in the hustle and bustle of things, as I walk in the door, I hear about ten little voices shout my name in unison! It is by far the best part of my day. After finishing up lunch, it is time to put the little ones to bed. A few infants go in various playpens and cribs scattered throughout the house, while other makeshift beds are scattered throughout the dining room. It becomes amazingly quiet and I end up either getting amazing amounts of homework done or baking an outstanding amount of sweets for 'snack time'. Either way, I love this job...I can multitask or work on my 'Julia Child' qualities (and I have people who like them, no matter how terrible they might be!) Those two hours of quiet often slip by too fast and everybody's awake and moving, and about six more school age children are added to the mix. This becomes true chaos. From putting the winter clothes away to refereeing wrestling and running matches (all while not stepping on a crawling baby) is awesome. All of the craziness subsides quite easily when mentioning the word 'snack' and instantly there is a great deal of order as a line is formed and hands are washed. For another twenty minutes, it is relatively quiet as everyone is munching on those 'Julia Child' qualities of mine. By the time we finish, it's wind down time and I usually find myself ready to go home. As fun as it all is, I am ready to find my bed, or at least my couch, in the quiet protection of my ever so empty house. Even as I type this, I see how this is a cultural event...not every society relies on someone outside of the family to care for children. This seems to be prominant in the US, however, and I must say that as crazy as it is, I wouldn't trade it in for anything else.

Posted at 12:51PM Dec 04, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[0]

Poker Night(s)

I have never played poker before in my life, honestly. Pretty much because I never had the patience to learn. Some friends of mine decided that it was time for me to suck it up and learn, however, and so my poker nights began.... The first night, we bet M & Ms and candy corn...not bad and I got the jist of the game, and a few laughs as I kept eating everyone else's 'chips' or just simply hiding them. I was truly paying attention though! My friends took the candy chips so seriously that I definately planned on declining the invitation to play with an actual ten dollar buy in. Turns out, I didn't really have a choice....I only had six bucks on me, so borrowed four and was off and playing. After winning the first couple of hands totally on luck, I had a few people a little bit upset....I knew a full house was good, but I wansnt' sure I had won the hand! The game continued and I got a littel low on chips now and then, but managed to stay in the final three with the 'Poker Pro' and the guy who, up to that point, would have a pair of Ace's when there was nothing on the table. Talk about nervous. I tended to chicken out for a little while during this part until 'Poker Pro' got beat out...I got pretty excited. Now it came time for multitasking, as my boyfriend called, and I was working on not getting beat by 'pocket aces'. I honestly don't know how I did it...Laura helped out...but I managed to walk away with the winnings and a few freindly jabs at how 'I didn't know how to play!' All in all, it was a fun night, I'm not sure I could do it often, I don't like to lose, but would every once in awhile!

Posted at 10:44AM Dec 03, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[3]

Lighted Christmas Parade

Every year on the day after Thanksgiving there is a lighted parade put on by my hometown. Like crazy people, we all bundle up to stand in the freezing cold weather and 'oooh' and 'awww' at the lighted floats. I don't go to this event every year, but since moving from home and not having the opportunity, I decided to take it all in. There were floats from various businesses throughout town, people on horses, and even my little cousin dressed in an Angel costume. Of course, you can't forget Santa, which was probably my favorite part...I loved watching the little kids all around me be amazed by the man in teh bright red suit. It definately made me wish I was still little and held the innocent views of Christmas and magic. Maybe it wasn't the greatest lighted parade ever, but my appreciation for what I can't always partake in definately gave the whole thing a brand new meaning...cold and all.

Posted at 10:24AM Dec 03, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[1]

Redlin Center

ON Thanksgiving weekend, I went to the Redlin Art Center in Watertown. I have gone before, but not for quite awhile. I absolutely loved it. From the laser show to the paintings themselves, it is all awesome. Being from Watertown, I don't think that I really had a good appreciation for Redlin's talent, however, not living there anymore and having teh Center available, gives me a new appreciation for it.

Posted at 10:16AM Dec 03, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[1]

Jazz Ensamble

On Nov. 7th, I took part in a 'girls night'....this in my opinion could be considered a cultural event in itself (ask Charlie, a friend that got thrown into the middle of girl chat). Three friends and I went to Whimps for supper (which is always anazing) and three of us continued our 'date' at the jazz ensamble held in the Colton recital hall. This isn't the type of music that I would listen to by choice, but I absolutely loved it. As with most instrumental concerts that I have seen, I was instantly drawn to HOW the students played their intruments....it comes so natural to them. In this case, I was totally drawn to the dummer and percussion part of the band...being that coordinated is awesome. I left with a new appreciation for those who have the time, passion, and dedication to play like those students did, I also left wishing I had some type of talent! :)

Posted at 01:25PM Nov 08, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[4]

Behind barbed wire

Yesterday, I stopped at the bus memorial at the ID Weeks Library. I was not able to stay long, but was absolutely amazed at what I saw. Skimming the letters and newspaper articles in the exibit gave a chilling view of what the POWs went through. From not having enough water and food, to the death marches, and pictures of the many dead was chilling. I definately wish I could have stayed at teh exibit longer, and learned more about this part of US history, but the little bit of information I did gain definately peaked an interest, and I want to learn more.

Posted at 10:18AM Oct 05, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[3]

Red Road

The Red Road Conference brings awareness and diversity to the University of South Dakota campus annually every year. I was able to attend for the second consecutive year, on September 27, 2007. When I was first required to attend this conference, I was completely unaware of what to expect, this was all different upon returning for the second year. Red Road presents about topics that affect people from all walks of life, no matter what their culture. I see it as a very valuable learning tool, as a Social Work major, for the simple fact that the conference presenters talk about topics that are not always acknowledged in society and show how they are dealt with in the Native American culture. As with many parts of Native American culture, this informative conference also takes on an art aspect. Between speakers, the true feeling of the Native American culture is felt through the playing of the drum. Eight men sat around this drum and played the same beat without thought, as they sang in what I presume to be a Native language. For me, the true feeling of their culture came in the varying intensities of their playing and singing, in some parts the sound was very loud and almost overwhelming, while in others it suddenly got quiet. Even while observing the room, the pride and cohesiveness of the Native American people can be seen. While the men played and sang at the drum, various men and women stood around the room and around the drummers themselves swaying to the beat and singing the native songs. To me, this form of art—singing and instruments—is the most powerful, the feelings and beliefs put into the art form are obvious and can be seen first-hand. Unlike a photograph or drawing, the musical art form is changing as it happens. Red Road is not only an educational event about societal issues and their effects; it also educates and opens minds to the culture, music, and beliefs of the Native people.

Posted at 10:45AM Oct 03, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[1]

far beyond frail

He plays guitar, she plays the keyboard and sings. Together, David Cecil and Sharlynn Verner comprise the group far beyond frail out of Kansas City, and I love their music. On October second, I attended the band’s performance and was completely unaware of what to expect. I certainly did not plan to stay for the entire performance, to be very honest, but I am very glad that I did. Many of the songs that were performed started out slow, calm, and somewhat comforting, but I was soon surprised has certain parts would be literally yelled. The program given at the performance compares their music to Sarah McLaughlan—this I can understand, but I was also reminded of Alanis Morissett. The music tells personal stories that I could relate to, whether it be heartbreak, love, or as Sharlynn put it ‘an outside sex song’. I would not say that this type of music is something that I listen to regularly, but I absolutely loved it. It is definitely something that I cannot wait to share with my girlfriends. Far beyond frail’s music is something I would listen to when I miss my boyfriend, if I got dumped, or if I just wanted to do a little bit of jamming out in the car. I was amazed, as always, of the talent shown while playing the guitar and keyboard. Whether singing or not, watching people play instruments with passion, as these two did, makes me wish I had some sort of musical talent. The group’s website is www.farbeyondfrail.com .

Posted at 10:44AM Oct 03, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[0]

SD art

Today in class we viewed pictures of Mount Rushomre, Crazy horse, and the Corn Palace in terms of high or low culture in art. I must say that this viewpoint sort of ruined the experience for me. To me, Mount Rushmore is amazing, although it is quite commercialized now. To me the mountain itself is high culture--it represnts America and our history. some may say that is disrespects Native American culture, which I can understand, but Crazy Horse is a monument honoring that culture. I see it as sort of a trade-off, not to mention that both monuments bring a great deal of business to the stae that everyone benefits from. I consider both of these monuments high culture because they represent history, heritage, and have amazing stories behind them. On the other hand, there is the Corn Palace in Mitchell. I will admit that the building is interesting to look at, and the work and talent it takes to craft the murals is amazing, but it seems somewhat tacky to me. For this reason, I consider it low culutre. It shows ways of life through the pictures, but the building itself does not really carry a special meaning or story like those of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. We also discussed the Statue of Liberty. I have never been to New York or seen the statue, but would absolutely love to. Like Mt. Rushmore, it may be commercialized, but I do not think that factor takes away from the meaning the statue carries for so many people in our country. It is this meaning that teh statue carries that places it in the category of high culture in my mind. The one other piece of art that stuck out in my mind from this lecture was that of Luncheon in Fur. It is not the art that bothers me, it is a bit out there, but whatever. I look at things very literally, and obviously these objects wouldn't be used, but the sheer idea of it grosses me out and makes me laugh at myself.

Posted at 10:43AM Oct 03, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[2]

Society and self esteem

The discussion about the woman with meat on her face was interesting to me. I, of course, can not know exactly what the artist felt in making the piece, but would assume that her feelings protrayed are influenced from a past romance or the media. My interpretation of the piece is not one of pity, however. I truly believe that your own personal feelings are not the fault of others. Only you can dtermine what influence others have on your life. As for specifically blaming the media, my view (which I shared in class) is that we sometimes set our own unattainable standards, and upon not reachign them, we blame others. It is m opinion that the media cannot be blamed for public esteem issues (like is protrayed in the piece) until commericals, television shows, magazine ads, the Internet, and the like blatently state that a person is worthless unless they meet certain criteria.

Posted at 10:44AM Oct 01, 2007 by Jacey L Mohr in General  |  Comments[1]