‘Night of Arts’ expands cultural education
Students had one more opportunity to get a taste and touch of Asian culture.
Arts and crafts, henna tattoos, games, and the Iron Chef competition highlighted Monday’s ‘Night of the Arts,’ an Asian Heritage Month program.
Nearly 300 people crowded the Bovee University Center’s Rotunda.
“This is a serious topic with a fun twist,” said Dan Kuschel, Harrison senior and vice president of the Asian Cultural Organization. “There are a lot of different events that add more fun, humor and entertainment while still sending the message home.”
The Iron Chef competition – the event’s main attraction – was a battle of taste, originality and presentation.
Participants were given a half hour to create a dish that would stun the student judge’s taste buds.
Students could select an idea from the sample pages at the table or could bring their own original ideas.
Pinckney junior Rebecca Boomgaard was a henna artist.
“I love the relaxation that it brings,” she said. “We make up our own designs and let it flow.”
Aramark and Central Michigan University Catering Services provided an extensive selection of oriental food including egg rolls, teriyaki chicken, vegetable stir fry, curry chicken, white and fried rice and fortune cookies.
Monroe freshman Eric Westendorf was able to relate to the white piece of paper that came out of his cookie.
“It says ‘Fortune really helps those of good judgment’ and I have good judgment on most parts,” he said.
Several cultural items for sale included paintings, fans, umbrellas, T-shirts, purses and mini Buddha statues.
Marie Tam, Sterling Heights senior and ACO president, said events like ‘Night of the Arts’ are important because they help expand cultural education.
