In years past, Cairn University has been the site of an annual ACSI music and arts event. When ACSI announced it would not be hosting the event this year, Cairn University’s School of Music and Art Department took the initiative to create the “Cairn Fine Arts Festival” as a way for students to still get the showcase their hard work with the stated mission to “support the music and art programs throughout the region by giving students the experience of expressing their gifts while building relationships in the larger body of Christ.”
The planning and preparation of the event brought in over 400 students from 15 Christian middle and high schools. Cairn faculty shared their time and expertise with students through leading various workshops, adjudicating performances, and hosting an awards ceremony that celebrated students’ hard work. The culmination of this event allowed students to exhibit their artistic gifts, find a community of peers with similar interests, and learn more about how their passions are a way to glorify the Lord.
Visual Arts Department professor Mr. Matthew Stemler said of the event, “Given the opportunity to rethink the structure of a Fine Arts Festival at Cairn, the Visual Arts Department also reassessed its purpose and sustainability. Should it be a competition, a celebration, or something else entirely? What is the core purpose of bringing us together? One key aspect missing in past events was the opportunity to build a sense of community among the schools. With this in mind, the arts section was designed to better align with this goal, ensuring the experience for both teachers and students supported collaboration and connection.”
Dean of the School of Music, Mr. Ken Borrmann, also added, “It was our privilege to plan and host the Cairn Fine Arts Festival this year. With the assistance of teachers from participating schools, we were able to offer a festival designed to give middle and high school students a platform to display their God-given gifts and talents with instrumental and choral performances and art displays. All were thrilled with this new format, and we look forward to having additional schools attend the festival in coming years.”
Thank you to all schools, faculty, and other individuals who helped come together to make this a successful event.
