The Miscellany News
Since 1866 | miscellanynews.org
May 3, 2018
Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY
Volume CL | Issue 21
Architects innovate in Athens
Volleyball falls short at D3 final
Kelly Vinett
Teddy Chmyz
GUEST REPORTER
COPY EDITOR
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T Courtesy of Vassar
inding inspiration from urban planning might be an uncommon concept to the everyday citizen. However, the Greek architects of Point Supreme, an architectural practice that imagines and builds projects from houses to public spaces, are changing the traditional design of Athens. On April 25 in Taylor Hall, Associate Professor of Art and Director of Urban Studies Tobias Armborst introduced guest lecturer Konstantinos Pantazis, one of the two founders of Point Supreme Architects. Pantazis and his partner, Marianna Rentzou, won international acclaim for designing the Faliro Pier in Athens. Their work blends traditional aesthetics with innovative design. To begin his presentation, Pantazis showed an aerial photo of the capital city of Greece. The bird’s-eye view gave perspective to an otherwise confusing multitude of roads and conglomeration of buildings, complete with the urban environment See ATHENS on page 6
Earlier this semester, Vassar released the results of the 2017 “What Happens Here” survey, and held a forum last Wednesday, April 25, to present and discuss the survey results. Attendees were also asked to brainstorm ways Vassar could do better.
Survey: Sexual assault rate down, but distrust in Title IX remains high Laurel Hennen Vigil NEWS EDITOR
TW: This article discusses sexual assault. was just walking past this artwork by SAVP [the Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention Program] that said things like, ‘We believe
“I
you.’ It’s a beautiful thing to see, but it’s a lie,” said a Vassar senior, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, in a recent interview. A few weeks ago, she wrote for Boilerplate Magazine about being sexually assaulted by someone she had previously dated (Boilerplate Magazine, “The Gray
Area,” 04.12.2018). This sentiment reflects the feelings of many students, particularly those who have experienced sexual assault at Vassar. The results of the 2017 Vassar College Survey of Social Behaviors and Student Experiences—commonly See SURVEY on page 3
his year, Vassar men’s volleyball reached the NCAA Division III national semifinals, the first time the team has done so since 2008, and only the third time in the program’s history. They booked their ticket to the semifinals Saturday, April 21, with a 3-1 victory over Kean University. This historic win came in front of a full crowd that included parents, students and, notably, members of the men’s soccer team dressed in cow suits, who would dive on the floor with every point won by the Brewers. Head Coach Richard Gary reflected: “That Kean match was one for the record books. It was a special thing to share the NCAAs with our campus, family, friends and a bunch of guys in cow outfits. You can’t even imagine that in the beginning of the season. It was definitely beyond our wildest imagination.” While the team was unable to ride the momentum coming off of their victory against Kean, losing 3-0 to See VOLLEYBALL on page 19
JYA-er reflects on museum scene Art of knitting alters fabric of student’s life Patrick Tanella GUEST COLUMNIST
A
rt 105-106 truly changed my life. Through this course, I gained a new way of looking at the world and at art, which I have applied to my studies in London this semester. After visiting almost 30 museums in 10 countries, I have found that cities and their inhabitants shape their cultural institutions,
particularly their museums. One of the courses in which I have been enrolled this semester, Art in London Museums, involves studying the curatorial practices of London’s various galleries. Basically, this entails observing how a gallery space and its works can introduce new ways of seeing to a public audience. London is not known to be a city full of sun, and this
Inside this issue
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ARTS
Camaraderie, collaboration fuels Shakespeare troupe’s creation
10
Local business spotlight: Twisted Soul a FEATURES delight
Abby Knuckles GUEST REPORTER
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few years ago, my therapist encouraged me to pick up knitting again. She suggested that perhaps a simple creative act on which I could focus and make distinct progress would help calm my anxiety and provide a sense of accomplishment. At the time, I was skeptical; in all past attempts, I’d never quite learned how to purl, so I figured I would struggle to make any garment worth wearing. However, I still humored her, and I never could’ve predicted how much knitting would alter the fabric of my life. With the help of several internet tutorials, I relearned my past skills: casting on, the knit stitch and binding off. For those who don’t know, knitting is typically done across rows, with the knitter turning their work at the end of each. Beginning a project involves casting on an appropriate number of stitches; knitting is to work these stitches to create a fabric; casting off is the method of removing the work from the needles. With these three techniques, a variety of garments can be made in garter stitch, which is a fancy way of saying
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Courtesy of Abby Knuckles
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is a massive, ornate building that allows the viewer to wander its halls and observe some of the finest Dutch art.
idea is reflected in its gallery spaces. Most are located in dull, gray buildings, but the art inside transcends its bland confines. The Tate Modern used to be an old power station, and now it holds one of the most famous modern art collections in the world—where an abstract Rothko can be placed opposite an impressionist Monet. Additionally, most galleries in London are free for students, which allows greater public access to these collections. Although London may seem melancholic at times, the museum spaces serve as a wonderful reprieve from daily life. Going to the institutions together as a class created a sense of community in a course filled with students from around the world. The works served as a foundation for us to get to know one another, whether it be around Manet’s “Bar at the Folies-Bergère” or a forensic architecture exhibition. Museums can also be influenced by the vibes of the city. I found that Amsterdam, which is full of bikes, fake hipsters and recreational drugs, was more relaxed with its art collections. After continuously almost being hit by oblivious bikers, my friends and I made it to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The two spaces are located almost parallel to each See MUSEUMS on page 7
Ta-da, the mug rug is made! Now you have a permanent, fuzzy coaster for your drinks. You can even use it as a mini napkin or blanket for your pet. The pattern is also applicable for larger designs. knit all rows. Garter stitch creates a bumpy-textured fabric, which can be desirable depending on the goal of See KNITTING on page 10
Masculinity addressed, athletics culture SPORTS assessed