The Ontarion - 196.1

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ART & TECHNOLOGY AUTHENTIC OR ARTIFICIAL? AI ART: PAGE 18 & 19

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THE ARTS ISSUE | TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE ONTARION

TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTS 3.

The value of an arts degree

4.

From cha-cha to bachata, Guelph is loving Latin dance

5.

An inside look at one of Guelph's up-andcoming local artists

6.

Take a spin with the Genesis Dance Team

7.

Finger-painting and decision-making: The importance of art as expression, connection, and development for young children

8 & 9.

Guelph’s drag scene is all that and a fake pair of tits

10.

Indie-folk band Straats’ songs are sure to be stuck In Your Mind

11.

SciArt Club submissions

12.

Take a candlelit trip through time

13.

Arpit’s Music Review: Lahai by Sampha

14.

Guelph Handmade Group showcases the talent of local artisans

15.

How to build your capsule wardrobe

16.

Guelph's Mikalyn shares her journey as a singer-songwriter

17.

Creative writing submissions

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18 & 19. Using Artificial Intelligence responsibly to create art and content 20 & 21. Art in The Bullring

MORE ARTS 22.

Supporting the next generation of artists at Zavitz Gallery

23.

Ontarion Book Review: And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott

24 & 25. Art submissions 26 & 27. Guelph Poet's Society submissions 28.

U of G Jazz Ensemble takes the stage for their final fall concert

FUN STUFF 29.

Club of the month

185 Stone Road W Guelph, ON 519-836-8882

CFRU Top 10 31.

From the archives

32.

January to-do list

MEAL PLANS

Pets of the month 34 & 35. Puzzle pages

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6 | GENESIS DANCE TEAM

8 & 9 | GUELPH DRAG

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16 | MIK ALYN

The value of an arts degree A BA can help you embrace your true voice, develop your creativity, and stand out to employers JORJA ALLEN

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ever know what to say when your family and friends ask you what you plan on doing with your arts degree? Are you tired of people asking what career you can even pursue with "insert creative area of interest here”?

Look no further. This is the explanation you have been waiting for – the gut feeling you’ve had since you chose your degree.

The simple answer to this question is: anything. You can literally do anything with your arts degree.

You could be a major motion screenwriter, a sports advertiser, an activist, work in HR, or hold a position as a UN council member.

There are so many options open to you.

Arts degrees are so expansive that they enable you to cultivate tangible life skills which can be applied to a wide array of career paths. By pursuing an arts degree, you are investing in yourself – and your authentic voice. As well, you are allowing yourself the opportunity to pursue a pathway in life that is unique to you.

U of G english and theatre studies professor Judith Thompson offered some amazing insights regarding this journey.

“It wasn't until I participated [in the arts], in my case it was theatre, that I felt seen, that I felt truly aligned, that I felt that I had a purpose,” she said.

Everyone pursuing an arts degree is fueled by different motivations and experiences – and these differences are important.

When asked why they chose their art degree, one student shared, “I love art and I love dipping into that creative side of myself. I want to find a way to help people using my art.”

Another student in the creative writing program stated that they feel their degree enables them “to focus on small details and allows you to make insights [that can be applied to] everyday life,” which in turn encourages “you to take your experiences, whether big or small, and harness [them] into written works.”

Additionally, one history student noted that she values her degree because it offers her the opportunity to learn “how to use different perspectives and interpretations in order to create an argument and deeper understanding of the world.”

Similarly, Thompson pointed out that arts students have a unique ability to connect with the world by participating in culture through their capacity to fully immerse themselves in their craft.

“We human beings cannot live without [art], in some form,” she said. “But to fully immerse oneself in it… you are just buzzing with soul.”

She continued to say that pursuing an arts degree in university made up “some of [her] most fulfilling, soul-stirring times.

Thompson added, “Finding your voice is what is emphasised in the College of Arts, whether it's in philosophy, history, English, languages, theatre, or fine arts,” Thompson said. “It is crucial to find your voice in the world, so you're not a clone, so you're not generic, so you are you, but you can write and communicate in such a way that you are understood.”

Aside from the personal fulfilment felt by arts students, , the multitude of skills that are developed through an arts degree are what really allow for creative flexibility – a valuable asset in the workforce.

In 2019, economist David Deming wrote an article for The New York Times titled “In the Salary Race, Engineers Sprint but English Majors Endure,” in which he proved that arts degrees continue to remain relevant. Deming’s feature described that while STEM degrees initially lead to more lucrative jobs, liberal arts students eventually out-earn their STEM colleagues by the time they reach their optimum earning years.

The reason for this is because arts degrees situate students in dynamic environments, which elicit constant curiosity. This ability to critically think and “never accept something at face value,” as

Thompson puts it, is what really sets arts students apart.

She said arts degrees help students understand “the complexities of human dynamics and of interacting with others, giving people the benefit of the doubt and really trying to see people for who they are.” This mastery of empathetic understanding enables a greater connection to the world and one’s relation to it.

Political science professor Ian Spears adds, “Perhaps the most important thing one gains in an arts and humanities degree is the ability to read and absorb large amounts of contradictory information and then to be able to reconcile and express it coherently—in writing.”

Furthermore, he notes that “good employers are inclined to expect a certain cultural literacy.”

As such, “a capacity to be able to speak to those cues not only shows prospective employers that you are knowledgeable but also that you are open-minded and eager to learn.”

Thus, arts degrees ignite authentic purposes within individuals, foster critical minds, and ground individuals with a deeper understanding of their place in the world. This enables these students to be better citizens, while also developing their ability to express themselves clearly and concisely.

However, the true value of an arts degree lies not within the degree itself, but within the individual who possesses it.

“You have to make yourself indispensable,” Thompson said.

“You have to make yourself the one person that they can't see losing, because you have initiative, because you have new ideas, you have new ways of expressing [yourself]."

Thompson describes that possessing these criteria can help you stand out to employers.

“We're waiting for people on fire,” she said. “People with strong voices.”

So, use your voice. Unleash your opinions. Be proud of your arts degree. The world will be better off for it. You have the power and the ability to make the world a better place – embrace it .

From being a screenwriter to working in human resources, your arts degree can get you there. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

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THE ARTS ISSUE | ARTS

THE ONTARION

From cha-cha to bachata, Guelph is loving Latin dance These energetic, exciting dances let you meet friends and show off your style ANDREEA BURLACU

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magine having an entire conversation with someone without saying a word.

Loud music that you can’t help but sway your hips to, a dance floor that’s calling your name. You find a partner and follow their lead, swirling into turns and twists, learning their dance style as you go.

With Latin dance, you can connect and communicate with strangers just by following their body language. You can also reduce stress, have fun, and show off your dance moves all at the same time.

“Latin dance” refers to the energetic, fast-paced partner dances that originated from Latin America. These include ballroom dances, like cha-cha and rumba, and social “street” dances, such as salsa, bachata, merengue, and kizomba. With social dance, each partner you dance with incorporates their own unique style. There’s not just one way to move – everyone brings their own flair to the dance floor.

Dancer Amanda Winter tried salsa at Guelph’s EBar and quickly caught the “salsa bug.” However, learning salsa was very different from her previous dance experience. Since joining ballet lessons at 5 years old, she has been strongly focused on developing the perfect technique.

“When you go up on a toe shoe, if you do not have proper technique, you will end your dance career very quickly with an injury,” Winter said.

With Latin dance, you learn the steps first and sort out technique later. It’s not a perfectionistic dance – anyone can give it a try. You become better as you try different steps with different partners. Everyone is there to help you learn.

“The scene itself is what drew me in, the camaraderie,” Winter said. She later added, “It’s just this wonderfully diverse, open, comfortable atmosphere.”

Soon after first trying salsa, Winter

Latin dance allows you to connect with strangers through body language. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MELANIE GILLIS

enrolled at Flying Dance Community. She was “obsessed” with salsa – she bought a VIP package and went to classes five days a week. Five years later, she studied under dance school leader Teddy Olaso, who refined her technique and broke down every movement. She mastered the dance’s complex turns, rapid steps, and solo patterns called “shines.”

Around 2009, Nico Kaburia, founder of Flying Dance Community, offered Winter a role teaching salsa.

"He saw in me my love of dance,” she said. “So, he actually approached me about coming in and maybe learning to be an instructor.”

Since then, Winter has taught at Flying Dance, Hillside Festival, and at the University of Guelph, where she’s held “Sultry Salsa” classes since 2012.

Winter has also tried other Latin dance styles, such as bachata, Brazilian zouk, and kizomba. These styles are similar to salsa, but are danced to different music and have some unique characteristics. Bachata, which originated from the Dominican Republic, is marked by hip movements and side-to-side steps. The Brazilian zouk incorporates head rolls and fluid motions, and kizomba is slow and sensual.

Winter described that recently, kizomba has boomed with the release of hit song Calm Down by Selena Gomez and Rema, which features a kizomba beat.

Winter loves that Latin dance is consistently evolving. Even within salsa, there’s a variety of styles to try.

“In salsa, you have cumbia, salsa, Colombia salsa, Cuban salsa… there's so many different types, even within one genre,” Winter said. “It’s all an evolution… I really, really love that. It just makes it exciting and fun.”

Winter considers salsa dancing to be an escape, “like therapy.”

“If I’m feeling a certain way, I can express that when I'm out on the dance floor,” 55 WYNDHAM ST. N • (519) 763-5544 she said. “No judgement or anything.”

DRAGONGUELPH.COM • @DRAGONGUELPH Similarly, Kaburia thinks of Latin _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ dance as a mood-booster.

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Latin dance also lets you meet new people – without the awkward small talk.

By dancing, you can read someone’s body language to learn more about them. Going to events and classes is a great way to form new friendships.

“The people that I met when I was learning salsa are my friends today,” Winter said. “I developed really strong, beautiful friendships and connections with people within the community.”

Salsa is spreading around Guelph.

Several of Winter’s students at U of G have also caught the “salsa bug,” such as Victoria, who took salsa all through university.

Now, Winter describes that Victoria is a “staple” at Underdog Dance in Waterloo.

“She loves dance,” Winter described.

“She was an introvert, and through dance, she’s blossomed.” She added that dance can give introverts a safe space to express themselves.

Winter mentioned that there are many local events where you can give Latin dance a try.

“There is a huge salsa community within this area,” she said. “You could almost go dancing every night of the week, if you really wanted to.”

If you want to check out a class, Kaburia recommends Friday Night Salsa Fix, a drop-in event where you try a dance class before an evening social.

“You get three or four hours of social dance, interaction with new people, experiencing something new, and a new culture in an environment that’s geared towards bringing people together,” he said. “That’s the easiest way to get into it.”

If you, too, catch the “salsa bug,” Flying Dance Community also offers a complete program of classes, from polishing up the basics to mastering advanced moves.

You can also register for University of Guelph’s Sultry Salsa class on Wednesday evenings with Winter herself. No partner is needed for these classes.

It might seem scary to try out a new dance style, but Winter creates a class space where dancers feel safe and comfortable.

“The biggest hurdle is walking through that studio door,” she said. “For a lot of people, it can be intimidating. And that's why we really work hard to make it accessible, friendly, and just as good of a time as possible.”

ISSUE 196.1 | ARTS

THEONTARION.COM

An inside look at one of Guelph's up-andcoming local artists

"Recently, my focus has been on advancing my painting skills; however, my heart will always belong to illustration, as it has been my focus for so long. This piece was a quick one I completed while listening to Dying Star by Ashnikko and Ethel Cain (where I got the line ‘I want something soft’ from). I really have the most fun when I’m just listening to music and experimenting with different colour combinations and subjects.

I also really enjoy drawing interesting facial features, specifically unique nose shapes, maybe as an ode to my own side profile which I disliked for so long.”

Morgyn Roberts curates her artwork around gender expression and normalization of body differences ALYSSA CUNNINGHAM Guts

All art by Morgyn Roberts

M

that “if you want to display your artwork, then send out multiple applications.”

“Rejection can be scary, but somebody is going to like your art,” she said. “Also, you can start an art Instagram, which is a great way to express and display your own work as well as build a bit of a platform.”

Additionally, The Cornerstone in downtown Guelph offers to display art from any level of artist in the cafe. "How She Blooms" was the first painting Morgyn completed after the JAYU show and eventually hung in The Cornerstone for a few months. Morgyn says that she’s very grateful for being included in the JAYU show as it was a great experience for her and opened up many opportunities.

One being that she will be coordinating the next JAYU festival.

Reach out to Roberts at her email, morgyncore@gmail.com, or follow Roberts on her Instagram page, @beetlebrainart, to find out more!

orgyn Roberts is a fourth-year psychology student at the University of Guelph whose love of plants and art serves as inspiration for her desire to become an art and horticultural therapist. Roberts mainly works with oil paintings at the moment but also dabbles in mixed media and likes to experiment with unconventional materials.

Recently, she has been focusing a lot of her artwork on fish imagery, which could be because she is a pisces, but that’s still up for debate. Overall, Roberts likes to curate her artwork around the themes of unique gender expression and the normalization of body differences.

Her oil painting "Guts", which was recently included in the group show Hoop-La by the Necessary Arts Collective last December, is among her earliest works inspired by fish.

Hoop-La is one of Guelph’s most anticipated arts events and is a great opportunity for artists and collectors to participate in a one of a kind art show where 100 per cent of the proceeds go back to the participating artists.

This previous year was very eventful for Roberts – she also had her first art show, Art To The People, hosted by JAYUxGuelph, at the end of the winter semester.

JAYU is an organization that strives to advocate for human rights through the arts and is always looking for people to get involved in their events.

Roberts’ artwork, "Tummy Ache", which is done in acrylic and pen, was featured in the show. The piece was recently sold to a local artist at a fundraiser hosted by Jude Akrey as part of their artist’s residency here in Guelph.

Seeing as this was Roberts’ first exhibition, she recalled that it can be quite daunting and scary to put your art out there but suggests

Corone’s Talisman

How She Blooms

Tummy Ache

Softie

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THE ARTS ISSUE | NEWS

THE ONTARION

Take a spin with the Genesis Dance Team A look into the importance of dance in our community CARLOTA SOUSA

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ance is an amazing performance art that comes in many styles, like contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and ballet, just to name a few. The Genesis Dance Team is no stranger to this as they’re made up of dancers with backgrounds in various styles.

Genesis is composed of University of Guelph students from all years of study and a wide array of majors, all of which share a common passion for dance and positivity. They sign up and compete in competitions throughout the year, both as a group and in solos.

When Andie Siemens, the senior captain, and Lizzie Doney, the team manager, took over Genesis, they were very clear about the type of dance environment they wanted to make.

"Let’s run it well [and] run it smooth, still keeping the idea that this is lower commitment [and] this is for fun," said Siemens. "The main goal was to have a healthy, positive atmosphere...that is just about having a safe place to dance.”

“In dance you want to feel appreciated and like your talents are being recognized and I feel like our team is really good at doing that,” Doney said. “I think the key to our team is just our open mindedness and being open to different problems or different strengths of different people.”

It was important for Siemens and Doney to foster an environment where all different kinds of dancers felt welcome, no matter what style they danced in or other commitments they had.

They wanted the Genesis Dance Team to be something that the dancers looked forward to participating in.

“In my mind, that’s when people thrive, when they’re surrounded by different strengths,” Doney said.

Siemens and Doney also know that it can be difficult to balance life as a student and that unfortunately, students often have to sacrifice their non-academic hobbies to pursue school fulltime. This is why Genesis is such a unique and important dance group for the Guelph community, because it recognizes the struggles that students face.

Students who have a passion for dance will find that they’ll have an easier time fitting the Genesis Dance Team into their

The Genesis Dance Team strives to make a positive and safe environment for all dancers. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE GENESIS DANCE TEAM

schedule. This is made possible by the lower time commitment for practice and the overall understanding that certain times of the year are busier than others, like exam season.

Siemens and Doney have found that the Guelph community has been more than supportive of the Genesis Dance Team, especially the small businesses.

“So, [we’re] getting little donations and sponsorships from small businesses [which] is amazing,” Siemens said.

The Genesis Dance Team is very grateful to be recognized by

the community and to have their support. Siemens and Doney are so happy that they’ve been able to create an inclusive, positive, and fun environment for dancers and are looking forward to seeing what else Genesis can accomplish!

Are you interested in seeing the Genesis Dance Team in action? Then don’t miss their first ever showcase on Feb. 10 at Lakeside Church – doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at $20 for adults and $15 for students, and they can be bought through the link in Genesis’ Instagram, @genesisdanceteam.

Undergraduate Research Assistantships (URAs) Summer 2024 Important Dates

Why Should You Apply?

Full-time summer positions with supervision and mentorship from U of G faculty

January 29

Positions posted on Experience Guelph

150 positions available for domestic students with demonstrated financial need

February 23

Deadline for domestic students to submit the URA Financial Need Assessment Form

8 positions available for international students (ISURAs); financial need is not a requirement

February 29

Deadline for all students to apply for positions

Minimum salary of $9,640

How to Apply and Eligibility Criteria URAs

Scan the QR code to view eligibility criteria and application instructions, or visit uoguel.ph/ura or uoguel.ph/isura

ISURAs

ISSUE 196.1 | ARTS

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Finger-painting and decision-making: The importance of art as expression, connection, and development for young children Forging meaningful skills and relationships central to a child’s development through art EMMA WILSON ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE CHILD CARE AND LEARNING CENTRE

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reating art can feel both transformational and expressive, acting as an outlet for communication and creativity. In children, the effects of making or participating in art can be observed clearly, especially when a child doesn’t have full access to verbal language yet. Art can include music, visual arts, sculpting, dancing, and is a key way for children to communicate with others and the world.

In conversation with The

Ontarion, Kim Barton from the Child Care and Learning Centre, (CCLC), at the University of Guelph discussed first-hand art experiences with the children that attend the CCLC and the importance she thinks art holds for young children.

Not yet fully worried about the pressure of aesthetics or worth that their work may have, children exemplify the individuality of art in their creations and in-

teractions with its different forms.

In this way we can learn from children, and try to understand why making or partaking in art– whether that be finding a rhythm in a song or finger-painting–is a salient part of a child’s development.

Above the entranceway of the CCLC’s main hallway hangs two parts of a colourful painting, showing an Indigenous woman holding a baby surrounded by motifs of mountains, trees, turtles, and other animals. Underneath reads the land acknowledgement.

The CCLC’s core values line the wall, listing connection, justice, curiosity, nature, and leadership.

Barton explained that part of her job is maintaining intentionality with her work, inviting these values and always questioning approaches to teaching and learning.

Barton works as a pedagogical leader at the centre, creating projects that promote educators’ reflective practices and encourage better approaches to teaching children. She also works as a course instructor for U of G in the child studies program.

Barton explained to The Ontarion what she has observed of children in connection to art.

“I think that, well, we know that learning happens when we’re regulated, when we’re calm, and it happens through relationships,” Barton said.

Art can help manage a child’s emotions, as well as express them, and invites “ways of connecting with ourselves and each other.”

The CCLC occasionally holds

an event called Artists at the Centre, where a local student artist will come in and teach the children new skills. A recent activity was sculpting with clay, which could help develop a child’s dexterity and introduce them to a medium they have not yet experienced.

Barton makes a distinction between craft-making and engaging in artistic experiences. Crafts are more representative of everyone working towards an end product based on an example, and thus may not offer as much flexibility for expression and curiosity.

While this can be useful, most of the time art is used for the children to explore what’s important to them.

“It may or may not be about making a product, but there’s so much learning that happens throughout the experience,” she said.

Barton went on to note another powerful function of art-making: allowing the children to gain a sense of agency.

“I think that one of the things that’s powerful about art with young children is that they tangibly get to make an impact on the world,” she said.

She expanded by saying that one can hold a painting they made, or a ball of clay they formed, and understand that they can affect their surroundings.

Barton also gave the example of colour theory for how children may process emotions through art. If an adult tells them to draw what happiness looks like, one child may colour the paper yel-

low, while another might draw a smiley face or their family. This promotes self-expression and skill growth.

Other impacts of art on a child’s development include problem-solving skills and inviting connections with others.

“I think that any opportunity where we can allow children to generate multiple possibilities really creates a foundation for resilience,” Barton said.

Children may learn how to negotiate when they both want to use the same colour marker, for example, and be inspired by and contribute to their peers’ creations. As such, Barton concludes that making art can form a sense of community for children, and establishes itself as a space of belonging as well as curiosity and imagination.

For a child, learning about the world around them can at times feel daunting and overwhelming as much as it is exciting. Art allows for expression when one doesn’t yet have the words to describe their emotions.

The learning that happens when children create, observe, or participate in art is evident in the pieces of art at the CCLC. In Barton’s opinion, that art is paramount to a child’s development.

Whether scribbling a crayon across a page or dancing without a care in the world, we can all perhaps learn from children and the skills that come from creative expression.

More information about the CCLC can be found on the University of Guelph’s website.

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THE ARTS ISSUE | ARTS

THE ONTARION

Guelph’s drag scene is all that and a fake pair of tits Readers, start your engines: our queens are skilled, stunning standouts ANDREEA BURLACU

F

rom “condragulations” to “sashay away”, millions have seen RuPaul’s Drag Race on their TVs. Here, drag is showcased as an art form that requires charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.

“Drag is a culmination of all the arts,” Kamilla Flores explained. This includes the aesthetics of hairstyling, makeup, and fashion and performances that showcase dance, lip syncing, comedy, theatre and singing. Through drag, performers create a tailored persona that explores pop culture from the past to the present.

With the popularity of Drag Race, talented drag queens have become household names. Even within our own community, queer performers are killing it – Guelph has many local events that highlight drag queens and kings. Performers describe the Guelph drag scene as diverse, close-knit, and multitalented.

“We’re definitely putting ourselves on the map,” Kara Melle said.

Molly Kewl said that because different performers excel in different areas, it’s beautiful to go to local shows and see everyone’s raw talent.

“Support local,” she said. “If you like drag on TV, you should watch it in real life.”

Performers put a lot of passion into their art. Behind the rhinestones and rainbow eyeshadow, drag is a significant form of queer expression.

“It’s how we express our inner identity,” said Chimaera Kameleon.

The Ontarion met with four local drag queens to learn about the artistry behind drag and to discover each queen’s unique story.

CHIMAERA KAMELEON (IG: @itschimaera) In only two years, Chimaera Kameleon has achieved incredible success in both drag and academia. She’s been featured on Paramount Plus’ Fellow Travelers and Netflix’s Glamorous, which stars Sex and the City’s Kim Cattrall. In shows across Canada, Kameleon stuns with lip syncs, dance, and stand-up comedy.

Kameleon described herself as a “very glamorous, high fashion, dancer diva… but also secretly a smart girl because she’s got to do business.”

As a recent U of G grad, Kameleon’s research has made significant strides in validating drag as a form of employment. Her study, completed under Prof. Thomas Sasso, recently won her an award from the Canadian Psychology Association. Kameleon presented at the conference and received her award in full drag, making her the first ever drag queen awardee.

Kameleon’s academic background can be seen in her drag name, which she found by researching an ethical dilemma in health sciences. She stumbled upon the term “chimaera,” which is like a twin who ate their other twin in the womb and now has two sets of DNA. Kameleon chose this name to symbolise her unique drag, which embodies many things.

“People look to us to be dancers, lip synchers, comedians… anything and everything they want us to be,” she said.

But for Kameleon, drag was a way to rediscover herself and find a chosen family in the queer community. “[Drag] is how I discovered more about myself and my journey through life,” she said.

Kameleon also described that the core of drag is queer art, and that drag provides a safe space for performers to be free to express themselves.

“With queer oppression, trauma, and marginalisation, people see drag queens as a beacon of hope and light,” she said.

KAMILLA FLORES (IG: @itskamillaflores)

Chimaera Kameleon was the first person in full drag to accept an award from the Canadian Psychology Association. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHIMAERA KAMELEON

Kamilla Flores was hooked onto RuPaul’s Drag Race. She loved to sing and dance, and drag was the perfect avenue to be artistic without sticking to just one art form. At age 18, Flores put on her co-worker’s cocktail dress and a wig and snuck into a bar near McMaster University, doing two performances.

“I felt really defeated after the first time because parking was $4 and I made $2,” she said.

Yet Flores kept performing.

Her drag name, “Kamilla,” was inspired by “badass vampire” Carmilla, a character from Netflix’s Castlevania “whose sole purpose was the destruction of men.” Then, “Flores” references her Latina heritage and flowers, which she loved to photograph in her youth.

“Kamilla Flores is a name that exudes beauty… I really stuck with that name,” Flores said. “I have a bunch of tattoos of flowers everywhere now. It really worked out.”

Five years into Flores’ career, everything has worked out amazingly. She’s developed a strong stage presence,

Kamilla Flores is a self-described "diva who laughs about everything, makes jokes all the time, and loves to command attention." PHOTO PROVIDED BY BOBBY RAFFIN

and she loves to make jokes and interact with her audience.

But even behind the curtain, Flores’ drag has become a large part of who she is.

“Kamilla Flores, to me, is not solely a persona,” she said. “It’s also part of me. It’s the way that I interpret and view the world and it's a way that I like to express my creativity.”

Flores described that Kamilla is a “diva” who laughs about everything, makes jokes all the time, and loves to command attention.

“Whether that makes me an attention whore or not, that’s beside the point,” she said.

Flores described that her drag is largely influenced by her Peruvian heritage, as she grew up on 90s Peruvian cartoons and old salsa music. She’s also shaped by the women in her life. Whether it was her mother or grade 12 girls that helped her navigate freshman year, Flores said, “Women inspire me more than anything.”

“Oftentimes when I didn't have anywhere to look to, I found that primarily women were supporting me and standing by my side,” she said.

When asked about the importance of drag, Flores replied, “Drag saves lives.” She described that for those whose loved ones don’t support their sexuality, drag provides a safe space to see queens perform and meet other queer people.

“It's somewhere to go where you don't have to be afraid and people will respect your pronouns,” she said. “And you can dress however you want.”

KARA MELLE (IG: @kween.karamelle) As a visual artist, Kara Melle holds lots of respect for drag.

She loved Drag Race and attended many drag shows, and she appreciated the importance of drag as a representation of Black history and as a form of queer expression.

“I saw these amazing performers… with their costumes, and the songs that they lip sync to, and just the

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presence that they bring to the room,” she said. “I never thought I would be able to do that.”

With encouragement from her drag mom Molly Kewl, Melle chose her drag name and began performing. An avid fan of Sailor Moon, Kara Melle initially wanted to be “Serenity,” but people said that was “too much of a stripper name.”

She liked “Kara Melle” because it resembled the Cadbury Caramilk bar, which is her favourite chocolate. She also fondly remembers getting colour matched with her friends to the foundation shade “Caramel Toffee”.

Melle describes her drag persona as a hilarious, dramatic perfectionist who “loves a gown and a long train” and is “very regal.”

“She's a combination of all of the elegance that I've seen in the women in my life,” Melle said about her drag persona.

Melle is largely inspired by her mother, who consistently showed strength and brought joy to others. She admired the way her mother carried herself and thought of her as a role model.

“It was very strange because in my family … if you're a man, you are a man's man, you're chopping wood or playing sports,” she said. “I related the most to my mother and wanted to be the most like her.”

Kara Melle is also inspired by incredible women of colour, including Naomi Campbell, Beyonce, and Michelle Obama.

“One of my favourite drag queens, Shea Coulee, had said that her drag is a love letter to these powerful black women,” she said. “I just hope that mine can also do something like that.”

MOLLY KEWL (IG: @molly_kewl) Kewl, who loves music and DJing, chose a scientist name in reference to “mixing” music like potions. She described that Molly Kewl is a pun on molecule and a reference to the rave drug molly.

Kewl describes herself as “a mad scientist during the day and a raver at night,” who also loves K-pop, thrifting, and her mom.

“And, she accidentally spilled something on her and now she's really hairy,” Kewl said.

70 per cent of the time, Kewl is a bearded queen. She seldom shaves her body and facial hair, and she describes that a lady with a beard is “not something people are used to seeing.”

However, Kewl describes that women often feel pres-

sure to shave to fit societal expectations.

As a teen, Kewl was bullied for her body hair –she would shave “everything from the eyebrows down.” But in drag, her hairiness is an inspiring political statement.

“I’ve had people come up to me after a drag show where I’m there and I’m hairy,” she said. “And they say to me, ‘Seeing you look so beautiful and be so confident helped me feel a bit better about my body hair.’”

Kewl described that with drag, she can break down gender roles and stereotypes.

“Drag is a celebration of what queer people idolize and appreciate, whether that’s femininity or masculinity,” she said. “We get to play with gender, we get to play with stereotypes, we get to break down those stereotypes.”

She explained that as a kid, she idolized powerful female figures, such as wrestlers, the Spice Girls, and superheroes.

“When you get older, and you have the means and the autonomy to basically create a hero that you needed as a child… that’s sort of what I see drag as,” she said.

Kewl describes drag as a cathartic, healing way of expression.

“The reason we got into drag is because we have so much to express,” she said. “It’s not even necessarily about attention, I was doing this stuff in my fucking bedroom… I was doing it because I just love to express myself.”

And through this expression, audiences experience queer joy and queer excellence.

Throughout her five years of drag, Kewl gained enough expertise to mother a drag daughter, Kara Melle. She advised Melle to go to open stages and competitions, and connected her with photographers, hair stylists and costume designers.

Melle is grateful to have a drag mom like Kewl, who said, “I want drag kids, but I can't take on too many. I have my tubes tied.”

For anyone that wants to get into drag, our queens have plenty of advice for you.

“Get in contact with the people that you like, just go out to shows and be brave,” Flores said. “That’s how I got better. I kept practising, and I kept going at it.”

Flores also advises to stay true to yourself and recognize the value in your own performance rather than comparing it to others.

Similarly, Melle advised, “Don’t be scared if your drag doesn’t look like the drag that’s successful now.”

Initially, Melle was insecure that she couldn’t death drop, do the splits, or wear high-end outfits. But she forged her own path as a drag queen.

“Everyone has something they’re meant to do and a path that they’re supposed to take,” Melle said. “Be creative.”

Within drag and within all parts of life, it’s important to be yourself, no matter what.

So, find your passion, find a niche, find people you care about, and, as Melle said, “Don’t just throw on a dress and do My Heart Will Go On.” “Be wild,” she said. “I Kewl describes herself as “a mad scientist during the day want to be shocked.” and a raver at night." PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAY NORTH

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lize and ido le op linity” is a c pe e scu rag le er ma “D b ue r or q preciate ation hat ity w o f ap , w nin he mi t h er that’s fe

Kara Melle's drag is inspired by her mother, Beyoncé and Shea Coulee. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KYLE VANDENBERG

ISSUE 196.1 | ARTS

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THE ARTS ISSUE | ARTS & CULTURE

THE ONTARION

Indie-folk band Straats’ songs are sure to be stuck In Your Mind From basement beats to global streams, Straats does not disappoint ELLIE PETRAK

Straats love performing for the Guelph community. Their most recent show was Dec. 1 at Guelph’s very own Bullring. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELLIE PETRAK

J

oel Porter, Annie Martin, and Adrian Straatsma make up what is the impressive indie-folk band, Straats. Based in Guelph and Toronto, the band of longtime friends charm the U of G campus community.

Porter plays the guitar and provides vocals, Martin provides vocals as well, and Straatsma plays the keyboard. When they play with a live band, they are joined by Hiro Tanaka on bass and Straatsma’s older brother, Julian, on drums.

The band came to be when Porter began attending the same school as Straatsma in third grade. The pair became good friends and have been close ever since.

Once Porter got a new iPhone in grade 9, opening up the world of GarageBand, he started making beats on his phone, while Straatsma began to do the same on his computer. Eventually, they formed Straats and started playing around with sounds and music in Straatsma’s basement.

In the later years of high school, the duo met Martin.

“We heard this girl sing at assembly and we thought she was great,” said Porter. “She was in this gym class we were TAs for. So then, during a game of dodgeball or something, Adrian approached her asking her to record for us. Ever since

then, she’s sung for us and the rest is history.”

The group first began releasing music in 2018. Some songs from their original album are still available for streaming such as “Orange Juice,” “Jessica,” and “Apple Tree.”

After 2020, the band became more content with the music they were putting out. Listeners agree – their song “In your Mind” hit over 3 million streams. Since then, they’ve released more songs that they are extremely proud of.

In September of 2023, the group released a new song called “About You” written by Porter, which quickly became Straatma’s new favourite. Porter added that his favourite song is “To Get Away.”

They are now working on rolling out their newest record for the upcoming year.

“It’s been a while since we started working on this new album,” Porter said.

“We started writing in 2020, so a lot of these songs have developed and gotten better and better. We listen to the original demos and think, ‘How is that even the same song?’ Me and Adrian are both really proud of that stuff and we’re looking forward to releasing those songs.”

While the band’s early music is in the R&B genre, their more recent music could

be described as a mix between indie-folk, indie-pop, and electronic folk. Their new record will feature a fusion of real acoustic instruments with electronic music.

While creating their new record, the group listened to and was inspired by artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, and Alex G. On Dec. 1, the group played at one of their favourite spots, U of G’s Bullring. This was their third time playing at the Bullring. This time around, the band played a couple of their biggest hits as well as some unreleased songs that got the crowd out of their seats and dancing.

The band is amazed by the support that has been built for them in Guelph.

As U of G students, Straatsma and Martin appreciate the opportunity to get to play for their community.

“It's super cool to play for the campus and Guelph community,” Straatsma said.

“When I came to Guelph I didn't really expect things to go this way or that people would actually come out to these shows.

“It’s nice to play for friends here and have them come out to shows, rep the merch, and sing the lyrics. It’s such a nice feeling when you bring everyone in your life together.”

Porter, a Master’s student at Heritage

College, also appreciates the support from the Guelph community.

“It's cool for me too,” he said. “I don't go to Guelph, but Adrian and some of his friends have put out some posters around campus. I was at one of the last shows and three people came up saying they saw our poster and started listening to our music.”

“It's a really cool thing. It's nice that people actually see those and come out to the shows to support us.”

Although living in different cities and going to different schools poses challenges in terms of working on new projects together, they appreciate that their music gives them an excuse to spend time with each other amidst their busy schedules.

Despite the time apart, when they are together, they are always on the same page with their music, and on board for new ideas.

You can support Straats by listening to their music, buying and wearing their merch, going to shows, spreading the word, and sharing songs with friends.

This year, their music reached 161 countries with over 283,200 listeners and 711,600 streams on Spotify. Be sure to also check out their YouTube @straats and their Instagram @straats_ for updates on upcoming music, shows, and more.

ISSUE 196.1 | ARTS

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SciART

CLUB SUBMISSIONS

Janice Goh Jie Ling Psychology Lord Kentucky and Earl Quaker were a pair of drawings inspired by one of the Chinese idioms (jī tóng yā jiǎng) "chicken and duck talk." Just like the literal meaning, even though both are birds, the chicken and the duck would never have an understandable conversation. This correlates to the current state of socialization in multilingual countries. The “chicken and duck” talk is a com-

mon occurrence, preventing communication among the same neighborhood villagers. However, it does not affect the strong bond that has formed over time.

Suvi Coulson Art History / Museology

Winter Kraemer Animal Biology

Garima Gosain Microbiology Having an entire spectrum of colours, the Himalayan monal caught my eye as someone who loves making colourful paintings. It is also an homage to the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the place where my grandparents were raised.

Zoe Land Fine Arts I love to incorporate the natural world into my art. Many of my pieces are inspired by the beautiful shapes of skulls that have been left behind.

I try to recreate the balance of life, and the cyclic cycles of energy flow in our world.

This piece is a self-portrait, depicting the careful application of transtape to my chest in order to bind it. With the recent rise of transphobia and anti-transgender legislation in the United States, it feels more important than ever to share my euphoric experiences with transition.

There is a commonly accepted narrative that being trans is inherently painful, but in reality there are many moments of joy to be found in the recreation of self.

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THE ARTS ISSUE | ARTS

THE ONTARION

Take a candlelit trip through time Experience timeless artistic creations and historical artifacts at the Guelph Civic Museum’s latest exhibit YASMINE SULIMAN

A

The sculptures were made from post-confederation silver. PHOTO PROVIDED BY YASMINE SULIMAN

Brisson, Leis & Associates

OPTOMETRISTS Judith A. Brisson, O.D. P. Lynne Leis, O.D. Reita Thomas-Parel, O.D. Violet Zawada, O.D. Jianchang (Iris) Shen, Optometrist

re you ever bored and trying to think of something to do, but then decide there isn’t really anything to do in Guelph besides going downtown with your friends after 10 p.m.? Well, if you're into arts and history, I’ve got an idea for you.

Take a trip downtown, during the day, and check out the Guelph Civic Museum. It is a three-story building filled with Guelph history, located right beside the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. The museum admission is only $6 per person, and it's open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The museum has both permanent and alternating exhibits which showcase over 30,000 artifacts. Currently the museum is featuring the Light A Candle To Curse The Dark exhibit. This exhibit is located on the first floor of the museum and consists of candleholder sculptures coming from 15 different Canadian metalsmiths from all over the country. These sculptures are made from melted-down post-confederation silver that was originally owned by two Canadian families in the form of serving dishes, cutlery, and tea and coffee sets. The families believed something beautiful could become of this old metal, and so they supplied it to the artists.

Now, when I first heard about this exhibit, I thought to myself, “Is it just a room full of candleholders?” However, they are so much more than that. The sculptures that stood out to me most were those inspired by different artistic disciplines, such as creative writing, theater, craft, dance,

music, drawing, painting, non-fiction, photography, and more. The pieces showcase the artist's creativity and precision, while bringing us back in time to a point in history where lightbulbs hadn’t been invented, and the only source of light at night was fire by candlelight.

My personal favorite was the creative writing sculpture. The sculpture is of an open book with names, as well as a candleholder, coming up from the pages. The names are of female Canadian authors, and the candle represents books being read by candlelight.

This exhibit presents a diverse collection of sculptures, ensuring every visitor finds one that resonates with them. Each artwork invites personal interpretation and admiration, creating a unique experience for every guest. The exhibit is only running until Feb. 4, so be sure to visit the museum before then to catch it!

Additionally, admission to the museum gets you free admission to the McCrae House, a small museum based on the life of John McCrae, author of “In Flanders Fields.” It is just a six minute drive from the Guelph Civic Museum, located on Water St. You can make a morning or afternoon out of it! After the museum, take a short walk over to the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate and admire the beautiful intricate architecture and design, then finish the trip off with a visit to the McCrae house. This is a great activity to get you out of the house while soaking in and appreciating our city's great art and history.

Serving the U of G community for 40 years, we provide personalized eye care including comprehensive examinations, contact lenses and eyewear.

Exams available in English, French, Polish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

21 College Avenue West, Guelph (across from OVC) TEL (519) 822-2710 · FAX (519) 822-7877 www.eyesoncollege.ca · brisson.leis@rogers.com

The creative writing sculpture features names of famous Canadian women author, like Lucy Maude Montgomery. PHOTO PROVIDED BY YASMINE SULIMAN

ISSUE 196.1 | ARTS

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13

Arpit’s Music Review: Lahai

by Sampha Fever dreams, continuums, dancing, generations, syncopation, bridges, and grief ARPIT VAGHELA

L

ondon-based singer, songwriter, producer, and musician Sampha's long-awaited sophomore album, Lahai is finally here. Sampha disappeared from the music scene after he released his highly acclaimed album, and one of the best of 2017, Process.

The most streamed track from Process, “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano,” is a ballad about Sampha discovering a familiar place of comfort and inspiration, his childhood home in Morden, London. He wanted to show his appreciation for his mother and highlight how he was able to find his voice as a musician while growing up in her home.

This track was the last song he played for his mother before she passed after a long fight against cancer.It was also played at her funeral. It is an extremely emotional and bittersweet track that will move anyone to tears.

The last time I heard Sampha was when he was a feature on Kendrick Lamar's track "Father Time" from his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, where Sampha provided a strong and beautiful chorus.

Now, Sampha’s newest album, Lahai tells the story of his personal and professional life five years after his debut album.

Sampha wanted to find his spirituality and was questioning everything that happened around him at the time of making this album.

He eventually found a feeling of peace, after welcoming his daughter in 2020.

The singer announced the title of his album through his social media after the release of the album’s first single “Spirit 2.0” earlier in the year with an explanation of the meaning behind the title, "LAHAI - My grandfather’s name, My middle name, My next musical chapter, My next album," the post reads.

The element that stood out most from the album was Sampha’s significant inspiration from the Novella Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, a story of a seagull who desires to break free from his flock and transcend.

Lahai takes tons of direct and indirect references from the fable.

Sampha wishes to achieve spiritu-

al transcendence and to seek new connections beyond the human world.

The tracks: Stereo Colour Cloud (Shaman’s Dream): The first track on the album, where Sampha explores the themes of time and love. The track's pivot point is the idea of the "Shaman," who tries to find a sacred and safe place to open the connection to the spirit world. The track is crafted with beautiful piano tunes and glitchy, electronic sounds.

Spirit 2.0: This lead single is about Sampha’s spiritual journey of liberating himself from despair and depression after battling with them for a longer period of time. The instrumentals are soft, uplifting, and breezy. It feels like standing on the beach at sunrise with the sea waves slowly touching your feet, watching the sun and the water intersect and become a combined entity. Sampha references the fable of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, which focuses on the journey of self-acceptance.

Dancing Circles: Sampha depicts the mesmerizing moments of dancing hand-in-hand with his significant other. A truly delightful track that teleports the listener to Sampha's state of mind where he cherishes every moment he has spent with his partner over the warm and soft piano beats.

Suspended: Sampha has been lifted by the love of his daughter. His vocal performance on this fascinating track is truly magnificent. Listening to his voice over the uplifting melodies feels as if your feet are slowly disassociating from the earth as you elevate towards the sky.

Jonathan L. Seagull: A gentle and instigative track with major themes of self-discovery, liberation, and detachment, which are directly handpicked from the novel of the same name. The backing group vocals mixed with Sampha's soothing voice create one of the most ethereal listening experiences an individual could have.

The opening line to this song,

"Even though we've been through the same, doesn't always mean we feel the same" encapsulates the main theme of the track and the album: discovering and embracing your own path of self-discovery.

Inclination Compass (Tenderness): A melancholic ballad about the igniting of love between two individuals.

Only: This second lead single off the album describes Sampha’s refusal to hear others’ criticisms on how he spends his time. He only wants to believe in God and himself as he travels through his artistic journey.

Evidence: An emotional tribute

by Sampha to his daughter. Becoming a father has given Sampha a whole new perspective on life, as his child is the only evidence he needs to believe in hope and love again after the sad passing of his mother.

What If You Hypnotise Me?: A track backed by piano and glitchy audio sounds while Sampha has a heartfelt conversation with a spirit. It seems that Sampha has finally found the answers that he's been looking for for a long time.

Rose Tint: The final track of the album. Sampha has finally found what he was desperately looking for: peace and satisfaction. His lyrics create the visual of everyone he loves being together in one room, and he tells them to gather around so he can take a picture.

This track offers an elegant closure to the album, and to Sampha's journey of self-discovery.

Lahai can not be described in just a handful of words. There's a plethora of themes that could go completely unnoticed when listening to this album for the first time.

This album would need around 11 listening sessions to truly understand the true and meaningful message that Sampha tries to convey. Lahai explores and touches on the themes of fatherhood, self-discovery, spirituality, individuality, and love in a mesmerizing way.

Sampha doesn't want the mainstream spotlight on him ev-

Sampha's Lahai tells the story of Sampha's personal and professional life after the success of his debut album. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

erywhere he goes. He takes time and puts in impressive efforts to craft his music. Unlike today's mainstream music, where everything is made in an instant and produced with the intent of reaching as many audiences as possible, Sampha's Lahai is a breath of fresh air. It doesn't feel cheap and low-effort. Lahai is an example of pure talent.

The best way to listen to this album would be to sit back and relax on your recliner chair, with a mug of hot chocolate, cover yourself with a comfortable blanket, and close your eyes while

listening. Maybe listening to this album will help you discover your own sense of self. Overall, Lahai is a truly wonderful album that could be considered the best of 2023. The only way to find out how beautiful this album is is to experience it yourself.

SCORE: 5/5, 92/100 BEST TRACK OF THE ALBUM: SUSPENDED

ARPIT’S TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2023: 1. Lahai by Sampha 2. This Is Why by Paramore 3. Desire, I Want to Turn Into You by Caroline Polachek 4. Quaranta by Danny Brown 5. Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Rey 6. The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski 7. Let's Start Here by Lil Yachty 8. GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo 9. That! Feels Good! by Jessie Ware 10. UTOPIA by Travis Scott

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THE ARTS ISSUE | ARTS

THE ONTARION

Guelph Handmade Group showcases the talent of local artisans The Guelph Outdoor Holiday Handmade Market brought shoppers out for its seventh year

Emily McCormick creates nature-inspired art at Moonlight Forest Studio.

ARTICLE BY ILLYRIA VOLCANSEK & PHOTOS BY JENSEN DZINJA

T

he day may have been cold, but hearts were warm and spirits bright at the Guelph Outdoor Holiday Handmade Market.

On Nov. 25, Riverside Park was full of local artisans selling everything from stained glass to skin care products to candles resembling sweets. This annual tradition, organized by The Guelph Handmade Group, has been bringing artisans and holiday shoppers to Guelph since 2017.

Mary Penney, owner of the delightful crochet shop Little Brute Creations, loves the lively atmosphere at the Market.

“I love doing the in-person markets because I get to meet all different people and see their excitement over the things I make.”

Artisans traveled from all over southern Ontario to come to

the event.

“There’s this diversity of student life, country life, and city life that makes Guelph a great place for small businesses to sell,” said Karyn Phan of Reflections Vintage Costume Shop, based in Durham, Ont. Finding gifts at a handmade market means that your presents will be one-of-a-kind, according to Marilyn Purcell, owner of Holiday Evergreens.

“You’re getting something that’s unique and you won’t see it anywhere else,” Purcell said.

“Something that you’ll cherish and use year after year.”

Shopping from local businesses and entrepreneurs also directly supports “people who have poured their entire heart, soul, and creativity into what they make,” she added/

Penney uses her earnings to support her family.

“Every sale I make sends my kid to a sports camp or buys their Christmas presents,” she said.

The market featured a variety of shops. Wreaths, cards, wood carvings, jewelry, chocolate, perfumes, pottery, biscuits, cozy sweaters, soup mixes, and more could be found throughout the park.

Ellen Meyer, owner of the jewelry shop Made by Ellie, finds a great deal of personal joy from creating and selling her own earrings.

“It just makes me happy, it's just what I do,” Meyer said.

To find out when the next handmade market will be, you can follow The Guelph Handmade Group on Instagram and Facebook @theguelphhandmadegroup.

Karyn Phan, of Reflections Vintage Costume Shop, poses with her selection of curated vintage jewelry.

These evergreens, made with a handmade touch by Marilyn Purcell, are a great way to decorate this winter.

There’s an artsy find for everyone at the Guelph Outdoor Holiday Handmade Market.

Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join us for an dining experience on our rooftop patio overlooking campus.

Weekly starting at 6 p.m. Free to play!

Everyone is welcome and great prizes are available.

Bring your friends and join in the fun!

ISSUE 196.1 | ARTS

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15

How to build your capsule wardrobe Five tips to help you find your closet staples MARIANA ERAZO

I

f you have never heard the term before, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of timeless clothing pieces that you can rewear repeatedly. A capsule wardrobe is all about investing, both time and money, to acquire only the best quality items. So here are five elements that are necessary for building your capsule wardrobe.

Trousers A staple pair of trousers will take your fashion game to the next level. It sounds dramatic but the versatility of trousers has caused them to stay in style forever. Whether you’re going to class or attending a formal event, trousers will be appropriate for either. Trousers come in an array of styles and different fits. For a more laid back look, a slouchy fit is perfect, but for a sophisticated vibe, tailored trousers are the way to go. Trousers come in a variety of materials, such as wool for those colder days, linen for the summer, satin, leather, and more. Although black trousers are the go to, other colours such as white, creme, beige, grey, navy or any other neutral will also provide you with the adaptability to match them to almost anything in your wardrobe. If you haven’t already, get yourself some trousers and watch how much easier getting dressed will be.

Button-Up A classic button-up shirt is timeless. It’s the perfect layering piece and never looks out of place. If you want to appear put together without having to put the effort in, then a button-up will do all the work for you. Start by finding the best fit; oversized is the perfect style because it's great for dressing up and for dressing down. Pinstripe button-ups are a fun way to incorporate a subtle pattern into your look without having to go overboard. Try popping the collar or rolling the sleeves up to add some edge and make the look your own. The open neckline allows for some accessorizing opportunities, such as layering chains or necklaces to spice up the look. Take your button-up out of your closet and you’ll quickly realize it goes with pretty much everything.

T-Shirt Putting a t-shirt on this list may seem pretty obvious, but there is so much that goes into finding the perfect timeless t-shirt. The first thing to focus on is quality.

You can get a t-shirt pretty much anywhere but what will really set a good, lasting t-shirt apart is the material. It’s important to get a t-shirt that you know will not shrink or fade in colour after you put it through the wash. Secondly, the fit is extremely important.

Fitted t-shirts have been the latest trend with brands like Skims.

Though in recent years, the oversized fit was more popular, but t-shirts, no matter the fit, will never go out of style. Picking out a couple of t-shirts in neutral colours will help you out immensely when it comes to putting together an outfit. They can be worn all year round, which makes them an essential part of this list. T-shirts are so simple they allow you to integrate some flashier pieces without clashing with the rest of your wardrobe, thus allowing you to experiment with your look. Goodluck t-shirt hunting!

Jeans Finding your perfect pair of jeans has got to be one of the most rewarding feelings you’ll ever experience. You will find yourself wanting to reach for them practically everyday. If you’re reading this and don’t agree with what I'm saying, then I’ll assume you have not stumbled upon that “perfect pair.”The best thing about jeans is the variety of different fits that they come in. A couple years ago, we saw the resurgence of mom jeans, and recently low rise/mid rise baggier jeans have been trending. Having a mix of both looser and fitted jeans will provide you with more variety when dressing an outfit up or down. When it comes to picking the wash of your jeans, I always recommend going for a pair that's in the middle between a light wash and a dark one, as it will make pairing your jeans easier. So don’t settle until you find your perfect pair of jeans.

Belt When it comes to accessories, a belt will never go out of style.

Having a mix of both looser and fitted jeans will provide you with more variety when dressing an outfit up or down. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

Research shows that they’ve been around since as early as 3000 BCE! Therefore, how could we not include them on this list.

Belts can be paired with almost any kind of bottom - whether you’re wearing jeans, dress pants,

shorts, a skirt, a dress, or pretty much anything, a belt will up your style. A black or brown belt are classic choices, and you can opt for different buckles to suit your aesthetic. Belts can also come in thinner or thicker styles

which will impact the mood of your outfit. They are a simple way to dress up your outfit. In addition to being fashionable, their functionality is another reason why belts will stick around for many more years to come.

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THE ARTS ISSUE | ARTS

THE ONTARION

Guelph's Mikalyn shares her journey as a singersongwriter We’re happy to be prisoners trapped in Mikalyn’s painted world SIERRA LEESE

M

ikalyn Hay, a 21-year-old singer-songwriter, is making waves in the music industry with her compelling voice and storytelling. Defining herself in the category of alt-indie-pop, Mikalyn has developed a substantial following on streaming platforms with over 8,000monthly listeners and averaging half a million streams on her music.

However, her current success did not happen overnight.

Mikalyn’s musical journey began at the age of five when her parents first introduced her to piano lessons, setting the stage for a lifelong passion. Her career as a songwriter was inspired by her childhood dreams of becoming both an author and a singer. Songwriting emerged as the perfect avenue for her dual aspirations, allowing her to craft narratives through melodies.

Mikalyn later joined the Guelph Youth Singers for several years, where she developed a profound appreciation for harmonies and vocal expression. Much of her music

today includes influences from her choir experiences, producing many harmony-driven melodies.

Hailing from Guelph, Mikalyn emphasizes the supportive nature of the city's artistic atmosphere. With its proximity to Toronto, Guelph offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to larger musical platforms, including the renowned Hillside Festival and a vibrant folk community.

From the age of 11, Mikalyn started performing at shows and open mics around Guelph, where she found a supportive musical environment that fostered her love for the stage. She recounts her time spent performing at the Red Brick Cafe and how it became a crucial part of her musical journey in building her confidence in performing.

She frequently revisits the cafe to perform, where she now does collaborations with fellow Guelph artist JC Cooper.

Some of her biggest and long-standing supporters are her parents. Since the start,

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Mikalyn has over 8,000 monthly listeners and her top song on Spotify "Prove It" has over 800,000 streams. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MIKALYN

her dad especially has helped her on every step of the way and made sure to be at almost every show.

“I can count on one hand how many shows he’s missed and when you’ve been performing since 11, I’d say that’s pretty good,” she said.

Mikalyn expressed how grateful she feels to have grown up with such supportive parents who have always believed in and pushed her to follow her dreams. Her friends have also been amazing supporters.

She recalled many times when she found her songs on their daily playlists.

Mikalyn often finds herself drawing inspiration from many avenues, including books, life experiences, and friends' stories.

Her songwriting process usually involves starting with a broad concept and then delving into the chords on the piano or guitar.

“It always starts with some sort of gibberish - one word I fixate on,'' Mikalyn explained.

By focusing on the melodies first, this allows her musical imagination and creativity to flow freely. In her collaborations, the process follows a more structured approach, focusing on what they want their story to be, and then trying to build the track from there.

Much of Mikalyn's musical influence comes from some of her favourite artists as well, ranging from MARINA to Lana Del Rey to The Japanese House. Her dream collaboration is with MARINA, whose influence played a significant role in shaping her early sound.

Since her time spent at open mics in local cafes, Mikalyn has found herself moving to the big stages as her musical career continues to soar. Some of the coolest gigs she recounts have been opening for artists like Tyler Shaw and Alan Doyle at charity events like The Awesome Music Project.

“Charity gigs are my favourite. They’re always so inspiring and have such a good atmosphere,”she told The Ontarion.

Some of Mikalyn's biggest accomplishments have been her streaming success and the collaborations she's done, particularly work she did as part of a project in LA. The

experience offered her a taste of how she wanted her life to look, lighting a fire under her and driving her to work even harder on attaining her dream.

Mikalyn recounted the moment the scale of her success started to sink in after seeing videos of people at a rave dancing to her voice.

“It's hard to grasp that people were actually listening to my music,” she said. “It’s one thing when you see the streaming numbers online but to hear my voice playing at an event so casually was a surreal experience.”

Recently, while being back in school at Western University, Mikalyn has performed at venues such as London Music Hall and Rum Runners. Being a full-time student in her fourth year of university while pursuing this career has been difficult to balance.

“When you're studying music and doing it for work, it can be hard to make sure you’re still finding time to enjoy it,” she said.

It wasn't until this last year that Mikalyn really figured out how to make sure she was still finding time to play music for the pure enjoyment of it without the pressures of school or work.

Looking ahead, Mikalyn envisions a future where she can make music full-time, tour internationally, and continue creating with passionate musicians. Her upcoming EP, featuring indie and bedroom pop influences, is set to be released early this year.

In the meantime, Mikalyn's recent release, titled “Never Mine” is available for listening. The song was inspired after she and her co-writer and producer Chris watched the show Twentysomethings: Austin.

“I originally went over to work but instead we binged the show,” she said.

The show made her reflect on her own relationships throughout university and the difficulty of “situationships” in today’s generation. Since its release, the song has already generated over 13,000 streams on Spotify and continues to grow.

For those eager to follow Mikalyn's musical journey, her socials can be found @mikalynmusic, and her music is available on all streaming platforms.

ISSUE 196.1 | ARTS

THEONTARION.COM

Creative Writing

The Two Kings by Meredith Robinson “Thalia.”

I spin around, eyes wide, blood dripping from my dagger.

Well shit. He wasn’t supposed to be here, let alone see me standing over the body of his murdered father, my tule skirts soaked through with blood. James always has terrible timing.

“Hello, James,” I say nonchalantly.

“Wha-” “Go back to bed, James.”

He blinks once, twice, his eyes flicking from me to his father. I do not think the ballroom has ever been so quiet before. Just two hours earlier it was full of lively music and people dancing until their shoes were worn through. All that is left now are burnt-out candles, empty plates, a dead king, and the least likely suspects.

James isn’t upset with me, more shocked that I actually went through with it.

“Lia-” he takes a step towards me, hands out like I’m a wounded animal. “It shouldn’t have happened like this…”

We were supposed to kill him together. We were supposed to do it on a night when the castle wasn’t full of sleeping guests and especially not in clothes you can’t run in. Heels, puffy skirts, and corsets aren’t the best for escaping, but I sure do look amazing.

“But it did,” I say simply. “There is nothing we can do about it now.” Unless we find a necromancer, which is even more illegal than killing a king.

“But-” “Now I’ll have to be exiled, I know.”

We stare at each other for what feels like hours. Time stretches out between us and the weight of what I just did finally sinks in. I killed a king and now I must leave.

Leave the only home I have ever known, leave my best and only friend behind to rule a kingdom. Who does he have left now?

Certainly not me. He can never even speak of me again. He can’t even think my name.

However, I find some comfort in knowing he will be a better king than his father. He is kind and caring and he will never steal from innocent people. For years we have been planning to reverse the damage his father brought down and now James will see them through.

The man at my feet is the opposite of James and stabbing him through the neck was one of the best decisions I ever made. I’m happy to see his blood spilled on the perfect porcelain tile. I always hated the shine off them and the way the light reflected into your eyes. James and I had always tried to scuff them with our heeled shoes but never made a dent.

“This wasn’t the way to do it,” James says quietly. Did he mean in front of a million windows? On a warm night when couples might be wandering through the gardens like he and I did on countless summer nights? Or because I did it without him?

“I beg to differ.” There is so much hurt in his eyes that I am forced to look away. I never meant to hurt him, but it needed to be done. I couldn’t share the downfall; he needs to stay here and rule with a gentle hand. I just wish he wasn’t standing here now. I wish I could have slipped out without a word. A cowardly thought, but an easier one.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

With my head down, I shuffle towards the door. There is nothing left to say and I better start packing before anyone else stumbles across their headless king.

“Thalia.” I stop, not daring to look over my shoulder. Another cowardly move. “You would have made a good queen.”

“And you will make a great king.”

I let my feet rush me to the door, slipping out before the tears start to fall.

The door clicks shut sealing James off from his only friend. This will be the final time he will ever see her, for she will be long gone by morning, and there will be no home to return to.

His father is dead and so the kingdom will burn. For years he dreamed of the king’s downfall, but he always needed to get Thalia out. He should have known she would do it before he could destroy the obstacle.

Now there is no worry, only a vow of vengeance. The kingdom will burn tonight, and James will go with it.

He takes one more look at the large wooden doors before turning on his heel and heading toward his throne.

when the cranberries ripen. by Rebecca Palm I love when its quiet And the fog rolls in When the cranberries ripen A gentle hand on my skin And the fog rolls in Rain floods my eyes A gentle hand on my skin Reminds wishing is unwise Rain floods my eyes My heart cold with shivers Reminds wishing is unwise At least with pennies and rivers My heart cold with shivers November in tow At least with pennies and rivers And the oncoming snow When the cranberries ripen And the fog rolls in My heart cold with shivers Thoughts and air thin.

Silent Battle by Meredith Robinson This girl has stepped straight out of Mary Norton’s The Borrowers; combat boots, layered worn clothing, and frizzy hair tied back with a beat-up ribbon. She is clutching a book so tightly that it looks like her fingers are about to fall off.

Her eyes fly over the pages, a battle happening behind her irises.

The panic in her gaze is so potent that she looks like she is about to jump between the pages and save those characters before they meet their end.

In her physical form, her legs bounce with anxiety as her teeth gnaw on the right side of her lip. I do not think she knows there is blood staining her canine. She taps one finger on the side of the cover, while the others flip the pages as quickly as her eyes are moving.

With each passing second, her bouncing speeds up making her combat boots hit the dirty ground until it feels like the whole bus is shaking. Only after what feels like hours does she break her gaze from the pages, looking distantly outside the window and I know…

I know she just lost the fight and everyone in her story felt the losing blow.

All movement stops as she desperately tries to find an alternate outcome.

This girl has stepped straight out of Mary Norton’s The Borrowers; combat boots, layered worn clothing, and frizzy hair tied back up a beat-up ribbon. She clutches a book so tightly that it looks like her fingers are about to fall off.

She needs to get off this bus soon, but it is not her stop yet.

She needs to be home, in private. Her magic can save her friends, friends that are trapped within the pages of a book.

Her leg bounces with anxiety, itching to move within the story. However, all she can do is sit and read the horrors happening to her family. They are fighting a losing battle, and she cannot be there to protect them.

She is forced to look away, gazing at the passing trees.

There is something strange about being in a contrasting universe far from your friends. Sometimes she wishes to stay inside the pages, closing the cover of her life on earth. But she will not leave her family behind. She comes back only for them.

They do not know of her life in books, especially the one in her hands. There is a family within those pages, another family she needs to help. But her commitments to real life got in the way and now she must wait before the fighting begins.

With muddy combat boots at the ready and a sword waiting for her within a fantasy, she sits quietly as the bus rolls on, fingers silently tapping the cover of a hardback book.

The Grave by Rebecca Palm The grave lay alone in the graveyard.

The cup of tea was old and left upon the grave to keep company to the now-dead flowers. The graveyard was old, then—just more than an acre in size—but the grave had more wrinkles. Mildewed flowers covered the indented stone, but the chips and cracks peeked through nonetheless. White candle wax had turned solid mid drip on the corner of the plaque, from some lost flicker of care. There weren’t candles by the grave any longer; no warmth to heat the stone.

Once there had been whispers made to the grave. The grave remembered. The people did not.

Once, a lonely girl walked over to the grave to lean down and looked at the tombstone in the earth. She stood for a moment and closed her eyes to mourn for the time between her and the grave, then continued walking.

The lonely girl would think about the grave in a dreary afternoon, ponder who. She would talk to a friend, but those who kept her company didn’t care to listen. Perhaps she would write it down and keep the thought in a jar. Maybe she would listen to a song one day and be reminded of the grave— of her memory when she watched it in a dreamy past.

Once, an old man arrived at the graveyard to see his late friend. He would notice the grave beside his love’s and glance over briefly. The old man would mourn the nameless grave, mourn the nameless stone in self-righteousness and continue with his day. He would come back for the grave he knew, and would see the nameless grave too. But the old man was rather alone too. His hair soon grew milky white and his limbs grew doe-like and frail.

He arrived at the graveyard and stayed.

The grave watched.

It didn’t long for little looks and little thoughts from people like the lonely girl and the old man though. The grave was selfish and terribly lonely. The grave waited for letters of sorrow and notes of fond memories and perfume that smelled like true delight. The grave waited for thorny pink flowers and the touch of a calloused hand on its crumbling stone. It waited for the tree that cast its shadow upon the grave to bend in the wind so the grave could feel the sunlight. The grave waited for the stormy evenings when there was nobody at all.

The grave waited for a long time.

And as time tread its path, nature piled upon the grave, a crushing weight that ate it up like acid. There were no fresh flowers, but broken and dead grass, brown leaves and sticks. No candles or cups of tea or letters from strangers. If the name of the grave had been harder to read before, now it was impossible. Slowly decaying, the grave had no desire to wait. The grave had been waiting for so long. The grave was so tired.

But the old man didn’t look anymore and the lonely girl had grown and moved north with unfavourable friends.

Could there be anyone to stand and mourn a stranger?

There was snow on the grave now, on all the graves. The grave was just stone now, not a grave, not a name, not a person to be recognized and to be grieved over.

The graveyard was full. And as time went on, there wouldn’t be any to visit the graves.

The grave waited again.

And waited.

Waited.

Until.

There was an old woman standing in front of the grave, in the thinning snow. Her knees creaked as she leaned down to touch the stone of the grave underneath the dirt and the years. The old woman cleared the dead leaves and the dead grass and the dead sticks and the dead flowers. She wiped the surface with her hands, wrinkled and stained from the soil, until a name could be seen. The cold of the stone was piercing. The old woman smiled, eyes crinkled to tears between weary skin. She pulled two matching tea cups from her bag and placed them upon the base of the grave where she had cleared an even spot. They were blue china, a gift from an unpleasant friend in her youth. The old woman’s hands were frigid and fragile as she poured warm tea from a metal bottle into both cups. She lifted one teacup, fingers trembling and sipped the bitter warmth.

The old woman stared through the graveyard, its skies grey and its stone worn. Her eyes looked without seeing, skin weathered and pale.

“For you,” the lonely old woman whispered.

And the grave heard.

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THE ARTS ISSUE | FEATURE STORY

THE ONTARION

PROMPT: What art might a snail want to see?

Usi Artif Intelli respon to cre ar

In this era of AI-generative systems, w PROMPT: A piece of art that specifically addresses the controversy of artists' copyright and the idea that the work of millions of artists is being used to generate images.

W

ith the explosion in popularity of text-to-image Artificial Intelligence, (AI), through systems such as Adobe Firefly, Stable Diffusion, and DALL-E2, creating art has never been easier. The possibilities of what we can do with these systems are seemingly endless, but how can we use these tools responsibly?

Two faculty members at the University of Guelph weighed in on how AI art generators can be used ethically, and they highlighted the risks and benefits using these programs.

Created in 2018, the Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence, (CARE-AI), at the University of Guelph is a hub for AI activity on campus.

It aims to promote AI research through numerous ways which include funding faculty projects and graduate student research assistantships, creating an embedded ethics curriculum for those students, organizing professional development training programs for in-career workers learning to adapt to AI in the workplace, and by running monthly seminars that speak on the ethical use of AI. This last function is especially important as AI tools become part of our everyday lives and are used in several fields including academia, content creation, and art.

Therefore, understanding how to use AI responsibly is key.

The Ontarion spoke with one of the academic co-directors of CARE-AI, Dr. Graham Taylor, on what ethical AI is all about.

“Ethical AI is when you consider human values when you're building and deploying AI systems,” Taylor said.

PROMPT: What kind of art would a caterpillar like to see?

“On the other side, non-ethical AI is when you don't give any consideration to human values when you build those systems.”

Taylor used AI-based hiring systems as an example and explained that the entire process of screening applicants and receiving resumes through an AI algorithm could be built ethically, such that the process is fair and secure. The system could be trained to recognize resumes from the past that were selected by hiring managers and then filter current applications based on people who were hired.

But the first problem with this is that some new applications in the system may get overlooked because they don’t fit the mold of previous hires and as a result, several people may be underrepresented or not represented at all.

The second issue is that since the algorithm is built based on past decisions, a significant amount of human bias may influence the hiring process. However, these potential risks can be reduced by regularly updating and retraining the system to look out for these types of issues.

As many of us continue to use generative AI for creating new content such as text, PowerPoint presentations, computer code, and imagery, CARE-AI is committed to providing informative workshops and seminar series to everyone about how to use AI tools ethically.

“We show people specific use cases of working with AI-generated art forms, and we include examples of designing content like web pages or new creative content like images,” Taylor said.

PROMPT: Can you make art for a conscious AI?

PAULA HEN “This impacts art because when artists use AI models to create art, they want to be able to control [the models] and they do that through prompts or other means. They have something very specific in mind that they want to create, and they leverage the algorithm for its creativity, but the human still needs to be controlled to some degree.”

Taylor added that his research community at CAREAI is “profiling some of that work so people can learn how those algorithms work and maybe do research towards more controllable generation.”

Taylor explained that two of the biggest benefits of generative AI systems is that it saves time and allows people to be very creative. Especially in terms of creating things that would typically require a particular skill set, AI provides users the opportunity to generate art without needing to be overly skilled at using Adobe Illustrator, for example.

“That's why we say it's like a skill level. It can take you from being not so proficient at a task to being quite proficient at something,” he said. “I would say that it’s like a power-up for people.”

In terms of risks, Taylor says that copyright issues are one of the main concerns when making AI-generated content. Some argue that AI doesn’t really create new content, rather it copies other people’s works that the algorithm has previously been trained on. Given this, it’s easier now for people to be exploited as they may not be assigned due credit when their art or content is copied.

Additionally, there is also the issue of deep fakes,

PROMPT: Can you create art that an ant would want to see?

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ISSUE 196.1 | FEATURE STORY

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ing ficial igence nsibly eate rt

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PROMPT: Can you please create a self portrait?

will you use it as a tool or a weapon?

NRY-DURU

which is the creation of artificial media that may be an imge, audio, or video of one person that is altered to resemble omeone else, and is typically used to spread false information.

With specific AI tools dedicated to creating deep fakes, this an be used as a malicious tool to harm people.

While these negative aspects exist, Taylor believes the benefits of using and creating AI-generated content outweigh he risks, as it has so much potential to help us develop conent, generate new ideas, or even advance areas of science.

“The risks are real …and we definitely need to take action owards foreign policy changes and regulations to ensure that hey're used more for good than bad, but people will use them or bad things for sure. But I think it’s very extreme to say we need to ban AI 100 per cent.”

One of the ways we can learn to create AI-generated conent and art ethically is through education. Both the people behind the AI systems, the users of the systems, and the generl public need to be aware of the benefits and risks that come with AI tools.

For the people involved in creating these systems, Taylor ecommends that they undergo ethical training before they tart working and while they are working at AI companies; as AI updates, so should their knowledge on it. Even those who have no interest in AI could receive calls from scammers usng deep fake voice simulators, and it’s important that we are ware of these possibilities by educating ourselves.

To get another perspective on using AI-generative systems or creating art and content, The Ontarion spoke with the diector of the School of Fine Art and Music, (SOFAM), at the

PROMPT: What art might a turtle want to see?

PROMPT: Create the most surreal image you can think of

University of Guelph, Martin Pearce, who said AI systems can be used as tools in a fine art setting.

Although it is used in different ways for different purposes, Pearce explained that there are some situations where AI simply has no place, such as in a sculpture class.

In other courses, AI tools such as DALL-E2 are used alongside digital techniques.

He described how a student intentionally created a critique project on the art market, which involved building a website using DALL-E2 and creating a fake identity to sell paintings, which were actually just JPEG images.

Pearce mentioned that there was no problem with this since it was the purpose of the project, and the student wasn’t pretending to have actually made those “paintings.”

Issues with using AI systems for generating art typically surround originality. This issue is more common in photography as everything can be faked, even by someone who’s never picked up a camera.

However, Pearce emphasizes that this is nothing new in the world of art, and AI is just another manifestation of the age-old originality problem. Students in SOFAM are familiar with such issues as they are addressed in classes, and rather than worry about this, Pearce is interested in seeing how AI can be incorporated into learning methods.

“I hope that my students start using AI generators to come up with images, because then they'd get a digital image and what they have to do is translate that into a drawing or a painting using their hands because that's what we do,” Pearce said. “I'm seeing some of these AI generators,

PROMPT: What art would a single-celled organism want to see?

and some of the images are very cool, and that would be an interesting challenge for them because then you've got to mix up the paint to make a version of it or you've got to draw it.”

Pearce also mentioned that as of now, the benefits of using AI for generative art are more apparent than the risks, and that at U of G, AI is seen as an opportunity for furthering our understanding about different interest areas and art mediums.

“In a visual art discourse, as long as we understand what's going on, and we see how the AI is being used, that's more interesting than what is produced,” he said. “The ‘how impressive the image is,' is less interesting than why and how it was made. That's often how it is with art.”

“The really interesting bit is when for students, the handbuilt stuff starts to influence what they make online and when the online stuff starts to influence what they make with their hands. And that's the cool bit because it's all part of a continuum of learning.”

It’s clear that AI is here to stay as a tool to create art and other types of content, but to utilize it in the most efficient and ethical ways, we first have to have a basic understanding of the numerous ways it can be used. Then, we can learn how to use it responsibly while having an amazing time doing so.

More information about CARE-AI at the University of Guelph can be found at care-ai.ca, and details about upcoming seminar talks and informative workshops hosted by CARE-AI can also be found on their website at care-ai.ca/events-2.

ALL IMAGES CHATGPT-4

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PROMPT: What kind of art would a worm want to see?

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Zavitz Gallery showcases student Gwyn Rossiter's exhibition ROADKILL. PHOTO PROVIDED BY GWYN ROSSITER

Supporting the next generation of artists at Zavitz Gallery Zavitz Gallery propels student artists, one solo exhibition at a time EMMERSON JULL

Z

avitz Gallery is a launch pad for some of U of G’s most talented student artists. The room is tucked away on the second floor of Zavitz Hall, home to the School of Fine Art and Music. It’s a blank slate, with white walls and track lighting around the ceiling’s perimeter. But every week during the fall and winter semesters, the student-run gallery transforms with a new, vibrant installation.

Zavitz Gallery is a professional-level gallery that has hosted over 80 student exhibitions since 2020, with 11 more slated for the Winter 2024 semester. All studio art undergraduate and graduate students can apply to host an exhibition in the gallery.

The week-long exhibitions at

Zavitz offer a rare opportunity for young artists. According to specialized studio instructor Monica Tap, students gain real-world experience during their exhibitions that prepare them for a career in art.

“Student artists are the next generation of artists,” Tap said.

“So, they must have the skills to hit the ground running when they graduate.

“Zavitz Gallery is an incubator for the next generation.”

Tap particularly emphasized the value of solo exhibitions.

“This allows their work to be seen in its best possible light, and lighting.” she said. “It’s also a perfect opportunity for them to reflect on their work, to solicit feedback, and to share it. A solo exhibition

is also a substantial line on their professional resume.”

For the students who host solo exhibitions, the experience has sparked new creative ideas and built their confidence in the world of professional art.

Gwyn Rossiter is in their fourth year of undergraduate studies, and they showed their first exhibition at Zavitz Gallery in September 2023. Rossiter’s exhibition ROADKILL was a mixed-media installation including sculptures, drawings, and paintings to explore “how human violence affects animals and ways in which this can elicit empathy for the viewers.”

“Being able to host my own exhibition allowed me to see what

my future in art could possibly look like and allowed me to receive feedback from my peers and faculty members on my art, and what makes a good show,” they said. “I still have people come up and start conversations about my show.”

These sentiments are echoed

by Zoe Dougherty, who has completed two solo exhibitions thus far: Rage Room in September 2022 and Virago! in September 2023.

Dougherty’s paintings explore the chaos of female rage through motifs of blood, wounds, and flesh.

Now in her final year of undergraduate studies, Dougherty appreciates how the gallery encourages student artists to form new connections and foster an artistic

community.

“The fact that Zavitz is accessible to students and classes is extremely helpful for those who wish to view art,” she said. “It is free to visit and can be a space for feedback for the artist and their work. In addition, hosting openings is a great way to get to know other students in your program and discuss each other’s practice.”

Exhibitions at the gallery will resume on Jan. 8 and continue throughout the winter semester.

Students and U of G community members are encouraged to visit the gallery Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, photos and descriptions of archived exhibitions are available online at zavitz.sofamstudio.ca.

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Ontarion Book Review: And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott A gripping tale of Indigenous motherhood, identity, and storytelling FATIMA ASKARY

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nd Then She Fell follows the hardships of a Six Nations Haudenosaunee woman named Alice. Alice grew up on the reserve, or rez as she calls it, living with her drunk, unstable mother and always dreaming of becoming a writer. When Steve, a charming and supportive white man sweeps her off her feet, she takes the chance at what she thinks will be a better life.

The book begins with her navigating through many life changes. She’s now married to Steve and has moved from the rez to an affluent Toronto neighbourhood. She is also a new mother to her daughter Dawn, while grieving the unfortunate death of her own mother. Most importantly, she has all the time she needs to write, and so she sets out to write her own version of the creation

story, one her dad passed down to her as a child.

But Alice notices right away that she isn’t fully welcomed in this wealthy, majority white neighbourhood. It doesn’t help that Steve seems to think it’s all in her head, insisting that she’s reading too far into things.

Her paranoia begins to creep in and what follows is a mindbending, disconcerting tale that gets increasingly eerie as you read on. Pocahontas jumps out from the screen to warn her of her fate.

Cockroaches appear when she calls them, and she hears voices she can’t explain that no one else seems to notice. Alice is convinced that finishing her creation story is the one way to appease these ghosts that haunt her and to save herself and her daughter from assimilation.

And Then She Fell details the anxiety caused by intergenerational trauma and motherhood. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING

Alicia Elliott describes her real-life inspirations for her novel. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING

The author Alicia Elliott draws on her own struggles with motherhood for her writing, which is what eventually led to the creation of this novel.

“I became a mother when I was very young... And so I felt very isolated,” Elliott said.

This isolation and confusion led her to write about her experiences.

“When I started this whole thing, it started as a short story where I was writing about a new mother who’s also a writer and who was struggling with understanding what this new role meant,” she explained.

Eventually, these elements led to a longer story and the creation of her debut novel.

Additionally, part of Elliott’s short story included her version of Pocahontas “that never felt complete.” Later she returned to it and integrated it into Alice’s

narrative.

While writing And Then She Fell, Elliott was constantly aware of the responsibility she had to represent the Six Nations.

“You understand how important representation is and what it means to have that as a responsibility instead of just a right... Not enough people think about what the responsibility of that entails,” she said.

The intersection of capitalism and art is one that many authors are aware of. Elliott wanted to ensure that she stayed true to her roots while also considering her larger audience, so she asked herself: “What are we going to do to sell this while also being very aware of the responsibility I have towards my community?”

What I liked most about this story was how uncomfortable at times it was to read. Elliott didn’t

shy away from any of the effects of intergenerational trauma, amplifying them through Alice’s mania.

Elliott also discussed the parts of motherhood that few talk about, especially the physical, almost grotesque aspects, forcing the reader to confront the struggles that many women face. The story is told in a darkly humoristic and, at times, ironic tone, which only made reading from Alice’s perspective even more enjoyable.

This book captures the imposter syndrome that many people of colour suffer from on a daily basis, like constantly questioning ourselves and being convinced that we’re crazy for thinking a certain way. At the same time, the novel represents the unique experiences of an Indigenous woman, which is a perspective that many, including myself, have not had the chance to encounter often.

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art submissions

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THE ONTARION

Carys Bishop Studio Art, 2nd year

Katie Butt Arts & Science, 5th year

Ano (Anrit Bains) Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, 1st year

Kaitlyn Feaver Community Member

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Meia Leskew Arts & Science, 2nd year

Abby De Brouwer Studio Art, 3rd year

Maria Li Environmental Science, 2nd year

Simona Bradacova Community Member

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Guelph Poet's Society

Guelph Poets Society’s mission is to cultivate an open and inclusive poetry community at the University of Guelph. We provide a safe and welcoming space for members to share their work and build connections. We aim to support poets in reaching a wider audience and allow everyone to experience different kinds of poetry through our meetings, activities, and events, regardless of your background in poetry! Connect with us: poets@uoguelph.ca; @uog_poets on Instagram.

Cascade

dear chelsea

Caught in that nuclear feeling, Visceral muse so oft stealing, An arbiter of wondrous healing, Time plays fancy and revealing.

These mirages dance in your head, Mystic as the eyes in thoughts tread.

Again I hear that morning ring, The depths below usher and spring Serenity that bleeds from soft embrace, A hand that weaves the unbound lace.

Like stars that fall in lissome grace, Tears trickle down that gentle face.

Upon whose throne the thorns rescind, That fervent heart opens, tranquil as wind.

In the consummation laid laconic, true, Where affluent chords repeat anew.

dear chelsea, lovely is the evening sky tonight in riverside or not, i haven’t seen it i’m busy being on the floor lovely is the name she calls me when i am in pain her sweetness injects fire into my veins but i’m built out of ash and there’s nothing left to burn lovely is who i wish i could be, but i’m the creaking limbs on a rotten tree and i’m bound to snap before the spring. chelsea, i’ve been in pain since i was nine years old my heart’s grown attached to its dirt and mould but i don’t want to be here tomorrow. chelsea, my lovely, find me and we’ll leave together my broken soul, your moonlit feathers, and together, we can find out what it means to be lovely.

by Nicholas Murray

by Alison Lang

to my lover

by Jorja Violette to the one who cradles me gently who looks at me and sees naught but joy to the one who sits with me late at night, whispering sweet nothings and cherishing the vision of moonlight against my flaxen hair i love you. and i'm happy you're here.

Tattoos

by Louis de Joi I want to admire your tattoos The ones on your body And on your soul I want to run my fingers over them Gentle and exploring I want to taste them The bitter sweetness of the scaring I want to take in their scent Of rainy days and trips to the beach I want to hear about them How they are reflected in your mind All I want Is to experience you through all my senses So I can even begin to grasp the beauty of the art before me

My Light in the Dark

By Lexi Mezo

i know our love was not perfect but it was truer than the night nothing hidden within it nothing unable to be seen. and when darkness came about, you were the fairy lights along the street brightening my heart, eyes, and smile. and when that same darkness came over me, you effortlessly became my own light.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LEXI MEZO

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I love you

Mangoes

If ever asked how much I cherish you, Words fail me in describing this truth.

"I love you" feels insufficient, my dear, Inadequate to express what's truly clear.

I associate late summer afternoons with the tender sweetness and ripening pang of a freshly cut mango.

I watch the knife, slick and speedy and see the slightly bogus crowd meld into a giant smile, a smile I love, a smile you put out, a smile you no longer can.

I take a piece before you, after a back and forth of 'app bhi khalo na' because I know you won't eat until we do, because I know no other sweetness quite like this, because I grew up on this, but mostly because fighting you on anything has always been impossible.

I see your frail fingers reach for a piece, but don't remember them being that weak, I don't remember you being this weak.

I can almost visualize every detail of that old room, almost hear the scraping of wood against the floor, the sound of laughter, the sound of your voice, the love in the air.

I can place myself in it again, even years later, as I cut into a mango, as the blade inches towards the stone, as the juice hits the steel surface, as I take a bite.

But I always end up not going back, not being ten years old, tasting the sweetness but not feeling it, there isn't a smile anymore, there isn't yours There's no adorable argument, no laughter, and I can feel the sound of your voice slipping.

I've always loved mangoes, but without you, even they're not the same. How can we be?

By Chiara Alfinito

How can mere words convey the depths I feel, When choosing you in every realm is real?

In any realm, universe, or dimension we find, My heart would choose you, forever entwined.

In every universe, in each dimension's span, Across all moments, forever I'm your fan.

In any circumstance, you're my unwavering choice, Bound together, entwined by destiny's voice.

Why, you may ask, does my love know no bounds?

You are the missing piece that I have found, My soulmate, the one meant solely for me, My heart's desire, in love's symphony.

Thus, if one were to ask of my love so true, I'd whisper softly, as the skies turned to blue, That every version of me is entangled in love with you.

Morning Sun

By Ava Dineen

fold her legs into mine morning sun let the sheets slide off my body as I sit up to face the window before me no movement as yet no need only me and the sunrise and the golden light that touches me like a lover like a friend and I could stay in one place forever here with you, my sunbeam the only twin soul to ever graze my skin there is rest in this body but there is awakeness my eyes are open for the first time I am awake I am alive and the air tastes like summer, there is nothing sweeter than a promise like that discovering that there was a life waiting all this time for my softening hands to grasp I am awake and there is something in these little hours, there is peace

Six steps each way

By Serena Causton

How strange to be back and how strange to be gone How strange to let go and how strange to go on.

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by Shania Ratra

Sun and Moon

Pretend

To the sun and moon I long for you Watching you in the light and Under the stars I follow you across the horizon And I know you don’t notice me In a sea of glassy eyed faces But when your glow hits my skin I break into a smile

I don’t really want to pretend anymore that we are friends.

I don’t want to pretend these crooked doors are still open

By Amaza Payne

Sun and moon, I can’t control how I feel for you, I try to run away from my feelings, Running towards the edge of the earth Scratching words out of my head Like forcing an ink-less pen to work, Scrubbing away words like “Passion” and “obsession” But then you return and I can’t stop myself from Falling for you With every breath, I think of you Sun and moon Sun and moon I see you in everything, Everywhere The van you pointed out that made you smile The door that made you want to paint Yours red The first time you saw The sky washed pink I see you in all the mundane and Extraordinary things And I know that you don’t know me well I know you can’t I know I’m leaving soon And I know I won’t confess my feelings But then you smile And hope becomes a Blossoming flower in my chest You laugh and a garden grows Stars shine in my eyes when I look at you And I know we’ll always be A sky’s length apart And I may never tell you Those three words (I love you) But I’ll think them every morning and night At every first light and first star Because you’re always in my heart, Sun and Moon.

By Gabriel Gonzales

That we are not the star-bygone lovers I felt like writing back to life That at night, I see the sky and not these broken colours I don’t want to pretend, I’d like to end this thought-train running through my head The faces you make in my memories are better off dead.

I’ve read a dozen pretty books with things I should’ve said There’s too much quiet now to not mention We left too much unsaid Where could you be now that I’ve lost track of our memories?

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ASHLEY DIANA

Trick of the Light Your eyes, they found mine.

Must have been a trick of the light.

They quickly looked away, Made me way another day.

I saw you over there.

Must have been a trick of the light.

But you’re not here.

It must have been a trick of the light.

You left, I left, Yet something stayed.

You were there and I was here, So how could those eyes…

How could the gleam in your eyes find mine?

Must have been a trick of the light.

Anywhere but over there; Turns out now youre here.

There’s no trick of the light…or so I thought.

I thought perhaps we’d get back our sight.

No. It was all just a trick of the light. ~a.s.

Stardust

by Samantha Preston We are but one small spec of stardust in the vast universe.

A tiny grain of sand in the worlds ocean.

And not just our world, but theirs too.

We’re one in a billion million of stars just floating, existing, attempting to live lives we deem meaningful.

And all for what?

So that we may remain remembered in hearts of those we don’t even know?

It should bring comfort to know the earth will always know, as will the universe, and for what it’s worth, i’d rather be remembered by the universe then Sally from Mississippi.

I’d rather do the work of nature, and know i have touched its soul as it will mine, for even the most insignificant grain of stardust can have the biggest impact.

On a mirror's silver surface, twin soles align Divide by the distance that rests on the line.

WINTER MURMURS

When light hours leave and the darkness creeps in Long await the dawning of twilight's lost twin.

Winter puts forth its gentle music of light winds and faint whispers.

The winds tenderly caress my spine bestowing a sense of chill and quiver.

Nothing but polite.

Nothing but the one like young love.

I let it flow past me, through my bones slithering its way to the blood.

It ached from within and I let it, until it ached gentle.

The blood freezes and the life leisurely wafts, bit by bit until it goes plain hushed and the murmur of the winter goes faint.

The whispers were fairly unfathomable, but to my conjecture, they were words of pure comfort wrapping around my slumbered soul like a warm blanket. Mellowing out the blue from the resting blood.

They are perhaps of archaic poets, for it is the words of the dead that prevail to astound you and acquaint with you the most when you feel the coldness and eerie of the winter blues and yearn for the apricity.

My soul awakens from the hiemal slumber and I want to sleep, for I am tired.

Life awakens and I try to weave the words I seek to hear, syllable to syllable, into sentences.

There was both warmth and the chills of both the whispers and murmurs.

From within the white translucent mist, someone somewhere begs the sun to spare some gold down hither.

And I find my peace in this subtly placid instance.

By Manzil Grover

How far from the end and how close to the start How long is the journey that keeps them apart?

McLaughlin Library Overhead Lighting

by Julia Oliverio

Tell me, why must you violate my eyes with your stare and your sour grin?

Is it not enough that I come to you at my darkest hours?

Are you pleased with my suffering?

Occasionally I can find respite in your periphery And yet I choose to sit beneath you, time and time again Pithed by your gaze How repugnant you are. How smug How it pains me to say I need you

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MANZIL GROVER

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U of G Jazz Ensemble takes the stage for their final fall concert A closer look into what it takes to learn and play jazz at the University of Guelph

CARLOTA SOUSA

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The University of Guelph’s Jazz Ensemble played a variety of jazz pieces and showcased their talent at their final fall concert. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) Summer 2024 Why Should You Apply?

Full-time summer employment through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) On-campus positions under the supervision and mentorship of U of G faculty Minimum salary of $9,640 NSERC encourages qualified Indigenous students to apply

Important Dates

January 29

Positions posted on Experience Guelph

February Deadline to apply (at 11:59 p.m.)

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How to Apply and Eligibility Criteria Scan the QR code to view eligibility criteria and application instructions, or visit uoguel.ph/usra

he University of Guelph’s Jazz Ensemble showcased all of their hard work, dedication, and talent at their final concert of 2023. They spent the fall semester rehearsing as an ensemble each week and additionally practicing on their own time.

The Jazz Ensemble performed a wide array of jazz pieces that highlighted mesmerizing vocalists, impressive soloists, and an overall amazing musical experience for the audience.

During the first half of the concert, five smaller ensembles each played a piece which allowed each musician to highlight their individual talent. One of the ensembles performed a piece titled “Bemsha Swings” which they had learned completely by ear.

This means that this small ensemble did not use any sheet music to learn the piece and had to rely on other modes of learning.

Brent Rowan, the Jazz Ensemble instructor, described a few ways that musicians can learn a piece by ear.

“You could just play a recording and say, ‘everybody listen and find your part in there’ and then listen to it over and over again. Or listen to sections of it and then maybe be able to sing the melody in your mind and then figure it out on your instrument,” he explained. “Or just straight up dictation, like if I played two notes on the piano and said copy those two notes and then just keep building from there.”

Rowan also mentioned some important questions that musicians ask themselves when learning a piece by ear.

“What’s the harmony doing? Can you hear how the bass is moving? And then can you kind of figure out what the chords are, from the bass and the melody?”

Learning music by ear has a lot of moving parts to it and there isn’t one straightforward way to do it. It’s all about trying different methods, building on what you already know, and practicing.

Another great feature of the concert were the improvised solos. Rowan helped break down the process of improvisation for The Ontarion.

“In a traditional jazz improvised context, we have a harmonic structure or form that the song is written on or based on,” Rowan explained. “So, when we do our improvised solo, we are essentially creating a new melody to go on top of that same harmonic structure, but we’re creating that new melody in the moment.”

“The choices that I make in the moment are based on my knowledge of the

harmony... But if I want to create a little bit more tension, I would choose notes that don’t fit the harmony as much. So, I want to have a balance of tension and resolution.”

Rowan continued to say that during the entire process, there are lots of things going on and lots for him to pay attention to.

“Like what the drummer does, what the bass does, and what the piano player might do to influence what you do,” he said. “The rhythmic content that you do, or the harmonic content, might be based on other things your bandmates are doing.”

Once you know the aspects that go into improvising a solo, you can create something really impressive. This improvisation plus the added pressure that naturally comes with performing in front of a large audience showed how talented the Jazz Ensemble is.

The audience also had the opportunity to join the Jazz Ensemble while they performed their final piece “Manteca” as Rowan split the audience into three sections and assigned each section with a different rhythm to clap to. This interactive experience was an exciting and fun way to connect the audience to the Jazz Ensemble, that “blur the lines of audience and performer,” as Rowan described it.

Ultimately, the key skill that Rowan hopes his students take away from his teaching and mentoring is “how to listen.”

“I feel like if we can use music as a tool to help people communicate better, then I feel like I’ve helped in some way,” he said.

Music is an integral form of art and a vital part of our Guelph community. It creates incredible opportunities for people to connect with one another, learn from one another, and, most importantly, it fosters an environment for people to listen to one another.

ICON BY FREEPIK

FUN STUFF

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ISSUE 196.1 | FUN STUFF

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THE ONTARION'S CLUB OF THE MONTH Club Name: University of Guelph Knitting and Crochet Club Club Since: Winter 2023 Club Mission: Our mission is to make the art of knitting and crochet accessible and fun. We seek to bring together folks who share an interest in the art of knit and crochet, with hangouts, classes, and workshops.

Fun Fact: We first started out as a Discord server!

How can others get involved: • Join us on GryphLife • Instagram: @uofgknittingandcrochetclub • Linktree: linktr.ee/kccuofg • Email: knitcrochetclub@uoguelph.ca • Meetups and hangouts hosted every week!

If you want to be the next club of the month, email tpipe@theontarion.com

CFRU's Monthly Top 10 albums

CFRU

1. BRY WEBB** Run With Me (Idée Fixe)

6. FREAK HEAT WAVES* Mondo Tempo (Mood Hut)

2. ALLISON RUSSELL* The Returner (Fantasy)

7. ELAQUENT** Rediscovery (Mello Music Group)

3. GEORDIE GORDON** Tambourine (Victory Pool)

8. FAITH HEALER* The Hand That Fits The Glove (Mint)

4. MIDSWIM** Sneak Behind the Dreams In Your Head (Self-Released)

9. APOLLO SUNS* Departures (Do Right!)

For the creator in all of us!

10. LAND OF TALK* Performances (Next Door)

CFRU offers FREE training, use of high-quality recording equipment, and (remote) opportunities for on-air and behind-the-scenes projects.

5. HANNAH GEORGAS* I’d Be Lying If I Said I Didn’t Care (Arts & Crafts)

*CANADIAN ARTIST **LOCAL ARTIST

93.3FM

CFRU93.3FM

@CFRU93.3

CFRU_radio

WWW.cfru.ca

Give it a try today!

Email volunteer@cfru.ca to learn more.

Community.

It's just one word but it represents so much. For over 70 years The Ontarion has acted as a platform for community members to report the news, share their stories, and connect with each other. We have also been a space where anyone can contribute and make their voice heard.

Come join us as we embark on the next 70 years and continue to connect one another through journalism and storytelling. All are welcome.

THEONTARION.COM/VOLUNTEER

NTARION University of Guelph's Independent Student Newspaper

ISSUE 196.1 | SPECIAL ONTARION ARCHIVE FEATURE

FROM THE ARCHIVES

THEONTARION.COM

The Ontarion has been around since 1951 and we’ve witnessed some pretty historic moments.

This is a new feature that will focus on noteworthy articles pulled from our archives that are of interest to our readership today.

We’re currently in the process of fully digitizing our archives and creating a searchable directory.

If you’d like updates on when this project is complete, sign up for our newsletter by emailing info@theontarion.com

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THE ONTARION

JANUARY TO-DO LIST MON JAN 8 GMB Krispy Kreme Sale • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• UC Courtyard

WED JAN 10 Meal Planning Made Easy • 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• JTP Rm 2259 • Learn meal planning strategies, recipes and tips for eating a healthy budget • Open to all U of G students

THURS JAN 11 Tech Showcase • 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Peter Clark Hall • Open to all U of G students

TUES JAN 16

WED JAN 24

Snow Days: The Great Escape • 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• UC Rm 225 • Come try this U of G themed escape room facilitated by the CSA and Student Experience • Open to all U of G students

Dial Down Academic Stress & Anxiety • 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Online • Learn the most common anxiety escalators along with practical tips to decrease anxiety • A free workshop for University students from the Stress Management Clinic at https://www.

SelfRegulationSkills.ca/ free-sessions

WED JAN 17 Snow Days: Beads and Banter • 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• UC Rm 303 • Come join START and the Off-Campus Living team to make friendship bracelets.

• Open to all U of G students

WED JAN 24 Lang Commerce Job Expo • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Peter Clark Hall • Open to all U of G students

THURS JAN 25 Stress Eating?

• 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Online • Learning how stress drives us to emotional eating, and ways to start addressing it • 2 hour workshop from the Stress Management Clinic: https://SelfRegulationSkills.ca/programs/ stress-eating

THURS JAN 25 Snow Days: START Homeroom Kick Off • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• This event is drop in and a great opportunity for you to explore different spots on campus, meet other students and find resources that can help you with your time at U of G • UC Rm 303 • Open to all U of G students

WED JAN 31 Managing Cravings • 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• JTP Rm 2259 • Open to all U of G students

Relaxation & Stress Management Skills • Begins Jan. 30 • Intensive skills training in how to calm anxiety, relax the body, and settle a busy brain • 12 session program from the Stress Management Clinic, meeting online twice a week on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:00 pm at https:// www.SelfRegulationSkills. ca/programs/relaxation-skills/

PETS OF THE MONTH

MEET OLLIE!

MEET STEVE!

MEET ROSIE!

MEET ZEUS!

Breed: Havanese Poodle Photo: Rebecca Marchetti Age: 3 Fun Fact: He's an evil sock eating monster.

Breed: Domestic Longhair Photo: Olivia Strutt Age: 8 Fun Fact: If Steve sees a neighborhood cat outside, he will scream

Breed: Australian Shepherd Photo: Alexandria Tomkins Age: 2 Fun Fact: She is scared of the banjo

Breed: Siberian Husky Photo: Alicia Brest Age: 8 months Fun Fact: Zeus loves to watch The Price is Right with his grandma

WANT TO SUBMIT YOUR PET TO BE FEATURED? Email tpipe@theontarion.com with a photo and the information above!

ISSUE 196.1 | FUN STUFF

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BECAUSE WE ASKED...

How do you like to express yourself artistically?

“I like to express myself through what I wear because it acts as something you can bring with you everywhere you go.”

Madison Ramos 2nd year, Family Studies and Human Development

“I like to go over to a park and listen to music…or read a good book.”

Twinkal Pindriya 3rd year, Accounting

“I think I would say the music I listen to or dancing.”

BJ Adekoya 4th year, Criminal Justice and Public Policy

“I really like listening to music and making music…I like listening to hip hop and R&B, which reflects my energetic personality…I also really like playing soccer.”

Khoi Le 2nd year, Economics

“I express myself through clothing… most of the time I dress depending on how I feel that day and whatever makes me feel like I can be myself around people.”

Vy Le 2nd year, Management Economics and Finance PHOTOS BY CARLOTA SOUSA

"As an AI developed by OpenAI, I don't have personal experiences or emotions, so I don't engage in creative self-expression like humans do."

ChatGPT-4

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JOIN OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS The work that our volunteer Board of Directors does is exciting, rewarding, and has an impact in your community!

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N1G 2W1 ontarion@uoguelph.ca 519-824-4120 Editorial: x 58250 Advertising: x 58267 Accounts: x 53534 E DITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Taylor Pipe News Editor Carlota Sousa Arts & Culture Editor Andreea Burlacu Sports & Health Editor OPEN POSITION Copy Editor & Fact Checker Olivia Strutt PRODUC TION STAFF Graphic Designer Paige Stampatori Photo & Graphics Editor Sophia Marcon OFFICE STAFF Executive Director Patrick Sutherland Accountant Laurie Arnold Circulation Director Salvador Moran Marketing Coordinator Mariana Erazo Archive Assistant Abbey Hanks BOARD OF DIREC TORS

BOB'S DOGS CROSSWORD CONTEST

President Paula Henry-Duru

For your chance to win two Bobs dog’s and two pops, just complete the crossword, snap a picture, and send it to puzzles@ theontarion.com by Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. Winners and anyone else who fills in the crossword correctly are announced in each issue.

Winners can arrange a physically distanced pickup of their voucher by emailing the same address.

Chair of the Board Katelynn Huong Vice President Finance Jaidyn McCrae Vice President Communications *OPEN POSITION Staff Representative Paige Stampatori DIREC TORS Thea Basic Denver Bubelich Jordana Glowinsky

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Avneet Grewal

1 6 5 2 5 7 8 3 9 4 6 4 6 3 9 1 2 5 7 7 8 9 2 9 3 1 4 5 4 2 1 6 7 8 3 8

HARD SUDOKU

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EASY SUDOKU

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THE WORLD HAS GOT A SMILE TODAY, THE WORLD HAS GOT A GLOW, THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS STRANGERS WHEN, A STRANGER SAYS HELLO - KERMIT THE FROG, "ONE MORE SLEEP 'TIL CHRISTMAS"

CRYPTOGRAM

Annie O'Keefe CONTRIBUTORS JORJA ALLEN FATIMA ASKARY ALYSSA CUNNINGHAM PAULA HENRY-DURU EMMERSON JULL SIERRA LEESE ELLIE PETRAK ARPIT VAGHELA YASMINE SULIMAN ILLYRIA VOLCANSEK EMMA WILSON The Ontarion is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. Since The Ontarion undertakes the publishing of student work, the opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Ontarion staff and Board of Directors. The Ontarion reserves the right to edit or refuse all material deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for publication as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. Material of any form appearing in this newspaper is copyrighted 2023 and cannot be reprinted without the approval of the Editor-in-Chief. The Ontarion retains the right of first publication on all material. In the event that an advertiser is not satisfied with an advertisement in the newspaper, they must notify The Ontarion within four working days of publication. The Ontarion will not be held responsible for advertising mistakes beyond the cost of advertisement. The Ontarion is printed by Master Web, Inc.