Artwalk for all walks of life
Bringing life back to downtown Corpus Christi
Food Truck feature
see on page 6
Seinfeld rocks Corpus Christi by JESSE DE LEON graduate adviser
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by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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he first Friday of every month in Downtown Corpus Christi is invaded by artists of all calibers for the Corpus Christi Downtown Art Walk. From painters to craftsmen to musicians to food vendors, no two artists are alike. The Art Walk begins at La Retama Park filling the park and surrounding streets with artists and vendors from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. “I come to the art walk to get my art out there and to meet people interested in art,” Jessica Abshier, art walk vendor, said. The ArtWalk began in August
2010 and continues to hold monthly festivities with over 100 vendors and thousands of patrons. The Art Walk begins at 5:30 with all vendors set up and musical entertainment provided. There are also numerous food vendors available including individual stations with homemade food such as cheeses or jams, hot food vendors selling tacos or items on a stick, food trucks of all varieties and some that just have free coffee. Artwork ranging from mounted photos, to stickers, ceramic tiles, crafted items, signs, and TV show paintings of famous actors, to name a few, are part of what can be found
photo by AMBER QUAID
in the main area. There is also a tunnel that showcases individually recognized artists work. The tunnel was built in 1929 and reopened by the ArtWalk in 2012 as part of its second anniversary. However due to recent issues inside the tunnel, the tunnel will be closed only for a short time but should reopen soon.“We love that downtown is changing and bringing the community together, while supporting local businesses,” said local Corpus Christi resident, Sidero Gkantsinikoudis Fenner. The ArtWalk is part of the Downtown Management District or the see ARTWALK on page 3
erry Seinfeld needs no introduction. Really. He doesn’t. Perhaps that is why he just ran on stage from seemingly out of nowhere when he performed at the Selena Auditorium on Friday, July 24. His surprising arrival was met with a thunderous wave of cheering and applause as he grabbed the microphone off of its stand and said, “Calm down! It’s just me…not the other three!” That sly reference to his former television cohorts, as well as a passing mention of “that television show” were the only times he referred to his phenomenally successful sitcom. Instead, Seinfeld delivered his signature analysis of the mundane in that instantlyrecognizable deadpan voice that somehow makes it all even more hilarious. read more on Seinfeld at ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM
Third Coast National Juried Art Exhibit
Artists embrace stardom from competition wins by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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-Space held its ninth annual Third Coast National juried art exhibit on Aug. 7. There were 528 images submitted by 178 artists from all over the USA and a panel narrowed it down to 46 works of art by 35 artists. In the end the judges selected only five winners. INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3
“This show always has the highest caliber of art and I just love being a part of it,” said Austin based artist Leslie Kell. “This year they took three of my pieces.” Kell was one of two artists selected to have three pieces entered into the exhibit. Kell has worked out of Austin for the last 25 years and considers her art style to be “Fine Art Collage and Mixed Media: Creating
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wow moments through the contemporary medium of digital art.” There were many artists on hand for opening night of the exhibit to meet and greet with patrons and Kell was one of these artists. There was also an artist from Houston, Lorena Morales who had one of her pieces Celeste in the exhibit. Celeste
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see K-SPACE on page 4
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 19
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opinion
ISLAND WAVES
a student publication of
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
island waves staff
08.20.2015
The Freshman 15
AMBER QUAID
managing editor
JAMIE FINK web editor
KELSEY FLORES copy editor
JUSTIN NGUYEN
advertising assistant
LUIS GOMEZ
advertising assistant
THI NGUYEN
layout assistant
KARA HERRERA layout assistant
GERI LEMMONS
features reporter
VIVIEN SANCHEZ news reporter
WENDY MOORE faculty adviser
AMY KOTULSKI staff adviser
by GERI LEMMONS features reporter
A
fter ending my first year in college I realized that I ate a lot of fast food. JESSE DE LEON graduate adviser I would find myself eating the stuff for breakfast lunch and dinner and not even contact us realizing it. Eating healthy was something that 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 I thought about but did not really do Corpus Christi, TX 78412 because I did not have the time and just wanted something quick and easy (361) 825-5862 when I came home from a long day of school. Restaurants likeWhataburger, write us a letter McDonalds, Sonic and many others The Island Waves were my go to places when I got out of accepts letters no class at 6:45 p.m. longer than 250 words. Letters are subject to I did not really have a meal plan editing. Send letters to because I did not live on campus and the editor via email at: therefore was not aware of what the editor@tamucc.edu. school had to offer when it came to types of food. I had a kitchen in my apartment about island waves but I was too lazy to make my own food. The Island Waves is After my first semester I came home a student-produced for Christmas break and was so happy publication at Texas about finally being able to eat home A&M University-Corpus cooked meals. Although my parents did Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except not say it, I know they noticed the weight during summer sesthat I put on from all that fast food that I sions. ate that first semester. Since A&M-Corpus I even noticed this when I was trying Christi has no journalto put on clothes that worked for me ism department, Island before I had left for college and now Waves is supported by student fees and they were fitting completely different. I advertising sales. decided when I come back to school I Any student or Universi- would change the way I eat and actually ty employee may submit learn how to be a healthier student. material for publicaIn my opinion it was my fault that tion consideration. To I did not pay attention when it came become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island to what I was putting in my body. My Waves editor. family is very conscious as to what they eat and what is good for a person’s body. They had made those decisions for me while I was living with them for 17 years. Now it was up to me and I had no clue IslandWaves what I was doing. When I was at home @IslandWavesToGo
if I wanted chips, ice cream or any other unhealthy thing, my parents had the brand that did not have as many carbs or sugar. When it came to fast food, my parents only ate it once a week, if that. It seems to me that a bunch of students go through the same problem that I did. Students are taught to study, go to bed early and make sure to go to class. However, when it comes to knowing what is good for us and our health it is a little harder. Now that I know what I know, I want
to make sure that what happened to me my first year of college will not happen again. I noticed that when I came home and started to eat better I had more energy and lost the weight I had gained in no time at all. My parents did a great job preparing me for what was next when it came to school. I was able to face and conquer all the challenges head on and it made me a better person at the end of the day. Now my goal is to not only be a good student but also to be a healthy one, too.
7 tips to avoid the Freshman 15 by KARA HERRERA layout assistant
1. Watch your alcohol intake: Slows down matabolism which eventually leads to weight gain. 2. Limit your sugar: You need to watch your sugar intake more than calories. 3. No more bread: If bread is an unavoidable option switch to whole grain. 4. Exercise: It is hard to find time to excercise when you are a full-time student, but even half an hour daily can help maintain a healthier lifestyle. 5. Eat your Breakfest: It’s the most important meal of the day, so do not skip out. 6. Stay away from stress: Stress = to weight gain. 7. Green tea is awesome: Burns fat, increases metabolism and is rich in antioxidants.
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ISLAND WAVES
ARTWALK continued from page 1
Blind Owls performed music off of their new CD and a little from their old school set. The Blind Owls will be releasing their debut EP that has eight songs on Sept. 19 and will also be hosting a release party that night at the N.A.S.A. For information about the ArtWalk one can find it either online at www.artwalkcc.com, on their Facebook page, or even by phone at 361-882-2363.
photos by AMBER QUAID
Jennifer Abshier shows off some of her custom artwork to curious patrons during the Corpus Christi August Artwalk.
DMD that brings together the downtown community to share local art and connect businesses. According to the art walk and Art Center of Corpus Christi websites, “the DMD brings together 11 Galleries, 60 plus businesses, plus a chance to win free art, mixed in with talented artists, music and refreshments. Rides on the DTown tram are free with on board entertainment
to experience the true spirit of ArtWalk or take the RTA Art Walk Express to see the artistic influences beyond the central downtown area. There is free entry to Art Museum of South Texas, Museum of Science & History, and Asian Cultures Museum during the evening of the art walk.” Also on street parking is free after 6 p.m. “We’ve been going for
over a year,” said 14-year-old Corpus Christi resident, Sam Muilenburg, “it’s just something fun to do. We hang out, eat food and I buy stuff.” The ArtWalk also has varying live music that is played all night. Some musicians are part of the ArtWalk and some are just street vendors that show up to entertain during the festivities. During the August ArtWalk the
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KSPACE continued from page 1
is part of a larger series entitled “The Drama Series.” This series includes art pieces where each one has a title of a Latin America tele nóvela. Lorena Morales was born in Venezuela and has resided in the United States for the past 11 years. She uses the influences of nature from various locations in her artwork. “I show how one color relates to another color in the natural world,” Morales said. The exhibition was judged by three local judges, Deborah Fullerton Dunn, Curator of Exhibition at the Art Museum of South Texas, Rich Gere, Chair of the Department of Art at Texas A&M University-CC, and Ken Rosier, Chair of the Department of Art and Drama. The judges were selected based on their accomplishments, skills and understanding of art. According to the K-Space website, Fullerton-Dunn has been with the Art Museum of South Texas for 21 years serving as Education Outreach Coordinator, Curator of Education and Curator of Exhibitions where she has served for 10 years. During her tenure Fullerton-Dunn has overseen the curation and installation of more than 100 temporary and permanent collection exhibitions, juried shows and offsite exhibits. Fullerton-
State University, and University of Oklahoma. Ken teaches ceramics at Del Mar College. “I love the use of color and form in each of the pieces,” said Corpus Christi resident Jennifer Tamayo. “I enjoy the events KSpace puts together for the public.” The winners of the Third Coast National were: Best in Show“Bouy #30” by Bill Price, second place- “Primitive” by Phyllis Finley, third place- “untitled Scape/ Façade 2015” by Dennis Kemmerer, fourth placephotos by AMBER QUAID Artist Leslie Kell poses in front of her artwork for a patron that enjoys her work. “We Have Been Waiting for You” by Sean Lyman” Dunn holds a Bachelor of Fine Art Grant and a Hambidge Fellowship and fifth place- “Abby degree from Corpus Christi State at the Hambidge Center for Creative Rain” by Julie Carey. University and a Master of Art Arts and Sciences, Rabun Gap GA. The exhibition will be on degree in Digital Media. Rosier has been a practicing display from Aug. 7 until Sept. Gere’s work has appeared in ceramicist for more than 35 years. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. KSpace more than 150 juried solo and He produces functional wheel work is located at 415D Starr Street in group exhibitions across the United and hand-formed raku objects. His downtown Corpus Christi. For States, Europe, Mexico and Asia. In work may be found in homes and more information about KSpace addition Gere has curated dozens institutional collections such as or the exhibit go online to http:// of exhibitions in the southeast and the Art Museum of South Texas, kspacecontemporary.org/ or call France. Gere taught at Tusculum University of North Texas, Arizona them by phone at 361-887-6834. College, Walters State and Virginia Intermont and Savannah College of Art and Design where he built the School of Fine Arts Print Media program. Recent honors include a City of Atlanta Individual Artist
Houston artist Lorena Morales takes a moment to view some of the featured artwork entitled ‘Thread and Stick.’
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ISLANDER ISLAND WAVES
CASINO NIGHT by JAMIE FINK web editor
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slander Athletics kicked off the 2015-2016 academic and athletic school year with their third annual Islander Athletic Fund Casino Night. Casino Night took place on Aug. 8, inside the newly renovated Anchor Ballroom with a sold out house of Islander staff, coaches, friends, supporters and alumni. “Casino Night allows a bunch of different groups of people to get together, relax, enjoy good food, and just have fun,” said Carol Wilson Islander Athletic Fund Board of Directors member. “It’s just a great addition to the rest of the fundraisers that we put on throughout the year.” During the event, patrons and guests were treated to a live auction, accompanied by a house full of silent auction items, a bid-board auction, a buffet diner catered by Russo’s New York Pizzeria, and finally a complete casino-style game floor. In an online article, Director of Athletics Scott Lazenby commented on the event saying, “Everyone I spoke with had an absolute blast with everything, from the auctions to the casino games to just socializing with our coaches, staff and fellow supporters.” The event raised nearly $40,000 for the Islander student athletes’ scholarships according to Lazenby. Each year, Casino Night also recognizes the person who is able to accumulate the most chips during the evening. This year, Islanders Basketball pep band director
Kenneth Iyescas took home the honors of Casino Night’s top gamer after winning 103,500 in chips. The Islander Athletic Fund (IAF) is the official fundraising organization of the A&M-Corpus Christi Athletic programs. All donations received are applied toward student-athlete tuition, room and board, textbook expenses and academic fees. It also helps these student athletes go out and continue to compete for championships. “Just to know that this many people support Islander Athletics that is special to the players, “ said Islander Tennis head coach Steve Moore. “That’s what makes you compete extra hard.” For more information about Islander Athletics or the Islander Athletic Fund, contact the IAF office by phone at 361-825-3237 or visit online at www.goislanders. com/IAF
PICTURED BELOW: Islander alumni and former Islander athlete O.B. Garcia participates in a round of Blackjack with friends and guests at the third annual Islander Athletic Fund Casino Night.
Live auctioneer Wes Hoskins, from 1st Community Bank encourages patrons to bid on a custom Islanders Igloo cooler. photos by JAMIE FINK
PICTURED ABOVE: Patrons test thier luck in a game of craps as they compete to receive the honor of Casino Night’s top gamer. PICTURED LEFT: Henry and Sylvia Lamb watch the ball go round and round as Izzy looks on in support. PICTURED BELOW: Izzy the Islander tries to help First Year Seminar professor Amy Carter win big during a game of craps.
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ISLAND WAVES
photo courtesy of deviantart.com
by JAMIE FINK web editor
A
fter nine years of working for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Nicole Kindzirsky’s love for food was just too strong to keep her on the island. So she packed up belongings and with her husband Roman by her side, she opened up her very own food truck in Corpus Christi. D’Lish Foods is more than just a food truck, it is changing the way people in Corpus Christi experience food. “The heart of every house I have ever been in has been the kitchen, whether my grandmothers, my mothers, or even my own, said D’Lish co-owner and executive chef Nicole Kindzirsky. “ When I moved to Corpus, I found that there is really a different standard for food and I really wanted to change that. Kindzirsky said she jokingly, yet seriously, told people how mediocre the food in Corpus was and couldn’t believe that the people here actually settled to eat it. “I really want people to say no to mediocre food,” Kindzirsky said. “So what my husband and I are doing is trying to put out a really great, restaurant quality product from our truck that shows people that they never have to settle for mediocre food.” The Kindzirsky’s have a combined restaurant experience of about 10 to 15 years, with Roman contributing 15 years of experience. Despite the lack of restaurant experience from Nicole, the Kindzirsky’s are accomplishing exactly what they sought out to do which was to help eliminate mediocre food from
Corpus Christi. D’Lish is spreading the passion that Kindzirskys has always had for food. D’Lish Foods Find them on Facebook at D’Lish Foods and on Instagram @ dlishfoodscc. Owner: Nicole & Roman Kindzirsky Food truck’s concept: “Our food truck is an Asian Fusion menu combined with fresh local food. We partner with the downtown farmers market and Grow Local South Texas. I team up with local farmers to give the closest grown product to my customers.” What do you want for the future of your food truck: “I can possibly see more than one food truck in my future. I think the thing that separates me from my competitors is that I don’t limit myself to my truck. We have several catering orders that we do every week. I just see myself going beyond the walls of my truck.” Do you offer dessert: “Not currently, but we are working on getting some desserts set up.” Do you use social media: “We use Facebook as our main source of communication to let our customers know where we are going to be and what kind of specials we might have for that week. We have also started using Instagram. In fact, we are doing an Instagram challenge, where we are asking our customers to take pictures of themselves with our food and then by using a hashtag and tagging us in the photo they are automatically entered and that enters them into a weekly contest to win a free appetizer.” How important are your customers: “Our customers are our lifeline, without them we have nothing.
Because we are so new, our customers are the ones who are spreading the word. They are helping push us to being even bigger and better.” What their fans have said: “They said our food is restaurant quality food that Corpus Christi has been missing. I’m bringing customers fresh, local food that chain restaurants and even some
photo by JAMIE FINK
local restaurants aren’t doing. I’m bringing people locally grown food that tastes great.” Best Seller or Most Popular item: “I would say our best seller is our Lumpia Shanghai, which is our Filipino egg rolls. We also always have rice bowls. We like to change up the protein and the vegetables that come with that to keep it fresh.”
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ISLAND WAVES
Behind the bleachers: An inside look at TAMUCC athletics Ask any athlete what his or her ultimate goal is when venturing into a new season and most of them ith each new school comes will say the same thing: to win a new goals and wishes. championship. But here at the Inevitably challenges will present Island University their priorities themselves and obstacles will have transcend the glory of winning a to be sumounted. A new school is championship. The coaches and staff a fresh start to strive to do things that train these students emphasize better than the year before. The same philosophies and same challenges apply to the athletic programs of Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi. The Department of Athletics has seen a major overhaul and growth over the last decade and a half. New practice and training facilities have emerged and the university continues to add sports to its athletics program. Beach volleyball (also known as sand volleyball) is an up-andcoming sport in the NCAA and is gaining popularity as more and more schools sponsor it. The team will be composed of some of the current members of the indoor volleyball team. Beach volleyball unlike indoor volleyball is played during the spring instead of the fall. New sand volleyball courts have been erected at the Dugan track stadium for training and competitions. Two of the major challenges that plague the Department of Athletics are insufficient space to construct future training facilities and a meager budget. “Probably the number one challenge of any athletic director, even when it’s at the big BCS schools is budget,” said Scott Lazenby, the Director of Athletics at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. “For us, we’re limited on what our budget is, based on fundraising and those types of things, so you have to be creative and you’ve got to have good staff to help you be creative with the limited budget you have.” The Department of Athletics would like to embark on new construction projects, such as the renovation of the basketball courts. This promotes the expansion and growth of not only their sports, but also the university as a whole. But in order to do that the funds need to be secured. “We’ve got some things on the back burner we’re working on, but nothing we’ve officially announced yet,” Lazenby said. “Eventually we need to get baseball and softball off the island and moved to the Momentum Campus because the university really needs that green space. It’s the last real green space, and they need it to expand, so that will eventually get moved over there, hopefully within the next two years. It’s a matter of fundraising.” by ISAAC PAGE contributing writer
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the importance of completing their education and promoting values and morals to these young collegiate athletes. “Our mission is to develop young people, see them graduate and send them back out into the world as productive citizens,” Lazenby said. “To me the winning of the
championships and playing is the number two goal, and the number one goal is getting the degree.” With each new school comes new goals and wishes. Inevitably challenges will present themselves. A new school is a fresh start to strive to do things better than the year before.
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
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