East meets West at Muskingum University

  This week was the opening of "Dialogue Between the East and West," an art show in the Muskingum University Library, which runs through Nov. 1.

  Chair of the Art Department Yan Sun explained the content of the exhibit, which contains both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork.

  "At the end of last month, I designed [this] show for the fall semester," said Sun.  "Theses crafts and pictures [showcase] Australia, Central America, Asia and Europe."

  However, the show serves multiple purposes.

  "[The show] brings multiple cultures to campus [and] this show gives an impression to the new students that Muskingum is open minded [about] other cultures," added Sun. "We really want to show that a student can be exposed to more cultures from around the world."

  Additionally, Professor Sun described the value of having artwork up close.

  "A student can touch or look closely at the works rather than just see a picture in a textbook," said Sun.

  Besides representative artwork from these places, the show also holds a personal connection for some Muskies.

  "The pictures are taken by students and faculty," continued Sun. "We want to involve the students."

  Professor Sun referred to pictures taken on Muskingum Study Abroad trips.

  "I had lectured to two [of my] classes about Muskies in China and Chinese students at Muskingum," said Sun.  "When you visit a different country, you can enrich your knowledge and make your eyes and mind sharp."

  Chair of the Political Science Department Dr. Walter Huber also provided his thoughts on traveling to different countries.

  "When I was an undergraduate, I did not study abroad because frankly, I was unaware of how easy it was," said Huber. "When I was able to travel, it became almost immediately evident how much exposure to another culture changed the way I saw the world. I was transformed in important ways by the experience and excited by what I learned."

  However, he acknowledges the benefits for students as well.

  "Students at Muskingum are fortunate to have multiple opportunities to study abroad," said Huber. "Exposure to the world allows them to see things from different perspectives and to appreciate the differences in the world."