There are many creative contributions by students during Cornhuskin’. Between choreographing, writing scripts and creating artwork for the class shirts and tunnels, student artists really have a chance to use their creativity to its fullest potential.
Layla Davenport, Class of 2025, was in charge of creating their class’s t-shirt and sweatshirt design as well as designing and painting the sets with fellow student and Cornhuskin’ Co-Chair, Ella Cannon.
When asked about the importance for students to be creative during Cornhuskin’, Davenport said “as an art student, I know that much of the art department is not involved in major campus traditions, especially Cornhuskin', and I can't fault them for it because there are so many issues with it.” She continues, “I participate in Corn because I know I will use the opportunity to ensure that the designs and other art are as accessible and appropriate as possible. It allows me to have a hand in bettering a tradition that has many problems at its core.”
Davenport goes on to discuss some of the roadblocks she faced as a student artist for one of Meredith’s most anticipated traditions on campus. She reports having “been heavily involved in the process this year, as well as last, and administration does not make it easy. Funding is limited, and support for students that cannot afford to participate is basically non-existent.” She also said that “throughout the design process, marketing would reject many iterations and would only list one reason for the rejection, even though there were several. I was having to constantly revise the designs and resubmit through the co-chairs. Meredith also doesn't have accessibility guidelines for design which means designs don't have to use legible fonts or colors.”
Despite the issues that have been faced throughout the design process for Davenport's artistic contributions, she said, “ultimately, I hope that students enjoy the designs and interact with them as much as possible.” Davenport encourages students to participate in Cornhuskin’, saying, “I think that a more diverse body of students participating will allow for change and growth of the tradition.”
By Haileigh West, Reporter