Cameron's
SENIOR ART SHOW
went to Camila Ramos with a metal, wood and resin sculpture titled “Harmonies” featuring frogs made from resin. Third place went to Melissa Helig with “Dynamic Ascension,” a wood sculpture made with stacked geometric frames.
From 6-8 p.m., Feb. 6, in the Cameron University Art Teaching Gallery in the Art Building of the Louise D. McMahon Fine Arts Complex, the Sixth Annual Student Art Competition and Gallery opened to the public.
The gallery is displaying art from close to 30 undergraduate art majors created almost exclusively from classes students have taken.
The two categories for competition featured were two-dimensional art and three-dimensional art made from a variety of media and judged by a guest juror.
The job of the juror is to critique the art and select the winners in each category.
Each category had prizes for first, second and third places as well as honorable mentions. First place in each category had a cash prize of $250. Second place had a prize of $175. Third place had a prize of $125, and each honorable mention had a prize of $50.
The juror for the competition was Kendra Hand, an art teacher from Navajo Public Schools, a graphic designer for Comanche County Memorial Hospital as well as an adjunct professor teaching graphic design at Cameron University.
First prize in the Two-Dimensional Art Category went to Mallory Cajas for her oil on canvas painting “The Beheading of Jack Crouch.”
Mathew Gonzalez won second place with an oil painting on Canvas titled “The Sleep of Reason.”
Kanney Do won third place for “Doomsday,” an oil on canvas.
First place in the Three-Dimensional Art Category went to Diane Denham with a multimedia piece on wood canvas titled “Conception.” Second place
Three honorable mentions were presented with first place going to Sabrina McClellan's “Forget Me Not,” an oil on canvas. The next going to Jaden Pebeahsy, for “Game Night,” an oil on canvas. The final honorable mention went to Dayton Horn for “Mother Nature,” with a relief print.
The final award of the competition part of the evening was The Award of Exceptionalism, awarded by the art faculty to recognize exceptional work across media, as well as exceptional work ethic and prolific art production. This award was won by April Luikart, who was actually taking photos of each winner that evening before she won her award.
ups and downs in that,” Crouch said.
Although there is no limit on how many pieces students may enter, many get rejected but that is part of what the Art Gallery is trying to teach.
“People do get rejected … as far as it goes, that’s a pretty normal part of the professional world,” Crouch said.
“(The Senior Art Show) has taught me how to present my work professionally while learning how to meet deadlines."
— Dayton Horn
Senior Art Major
The rest of the evening, spectators and students were free to browse the Gallery with their families and supporters.
Assistant painting professor Jack Crouch said the competition and exhibition is a good way for students to learn what it takes to be in the professional art world with how they manage her artwork timewise and how they prepare it.
“I think it’s a wonderful experience for students to experience being part of a juried exhibition because there are some
Senior art major and honorable mention winner Dayton Horn has entered the competition every year and has learned something new every year.
“It has taught me how to present my work professionally while learning how to meet deadlines," Horn said. Horn, as a member of the senior art class, has to help prepare the Senior Art Showcase, put on exclusively by senior art majors, coming up in April at the Leslie Powell Gallery. She says being a part of the Student Gallery every year has helped her prepare for it and the professional art world.
“This show has helped me refine my style and voice, which will continue to give me a sense of direction in my artistic career,” Horn said.
The exhibition is open to the public from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until Feb. 21 in the Art
Alyssa Martinez Student Life Editor
"Conception" by Diane Denham Wood, Canvas, Acrylic Paint, Leather
"Mother Nature" by Dayton Horn Awarded First Place in the Three Dimensional Art Category.
WRITER’S STUDIO UPDATE
Kaley Muse Managing Editor
The CU Writer’s Studio is a fairly new student organization out of the Communication, English and Foreign Languages Department.
The group hosts events like the Visiting Writer’s series where renowned
authors from around the state and country come and read to Cameron students and faculty.
The organization also has two of its very own literary magazines that are solely done by students, “The Gold Mine” and “The Oklahoma Review.”
Past issues of both can be found on Issuu.com under “The Cameron Collegian.”
The organization also hosts First Friday Open Mics every month where students, faculty, alumni and members of the community come to campus to read their creative works.
This semester, the organization is fortunate enough to receive brand new, way bigger space to set up shop in what
used to be the tutoring center in Nance Boyer 2061.
The next Visiting Writer will be Constance Squires at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 in Nance Boyer 2061.
For more information on the Writer’s Studio, contact advisor Leah Chaffins at lellis@cameron.edu or stop by the new space and say hello!
Photos by Alyssa Martinez
The Rejection of Digital Media
SerenityClark Staff Writer
By the time this is printed, chatter around TikTok’s U.S. ban will have subsided. As we know, TikTok went dark in America for fourteen hours, starting before midnight on Jan. 18.
American users spent days anticipating TikTok’s supposed end by revisiting old trends, audio, and dances. The For You page looked like the lobby of the sinking Titanic, her band playing with all the life they had left as passengers scrambled around them.
Many creators spent those last precious hours looking back on their time with TikTok revisiting the very video(s) that got them famous in the first place.
Then there were users who had never posted to TikTok despite having it downloaded for years: they were now uploading to the platform alongside fellow creators, videos that let the world know exactly how they felt about the ban – and I noticed a theme amongst them.
Instead of accepting the ban and heading back to Instagram or Twitter (X) as anticipated by those that proposed and approved the ban, users seemed to protest, listing off all the non-scrolling activities they planned on getting up to in Tiktok’s absence –an act of defiance.
Creator Rhody Jean (@therhodyjean) said it best: “My library card is already renewed … I’m bouncin’ out this b---- and reading a book in a public park with my wired headphones connected to the MP3 player.”
I’m both fascinated and encouraged by this reaction; I expected outrage, sure, but not spite. I did not expect the general response to be something like, “I’d rather reestablish myself with the flow of nature than scroll through Instagram Reels or open Facebook,” and I think that’s beautiful.
Even though TikTok has been restored and wasn’t gone long, I was inspired by my peers’ momentary rejection of social media entirely, of their drive to disconnect from the digital world and return to physical media if that’s really what it came down to–all on the basis of defiance in the face of their government banning their most used social media app.
Non-content-creator Jae (@iand_love_andyou) put my thoughts into words: “I would rather have the entire continent of Asia sitting in my living room twenty four seven than ever have the U.S. Government tell me what I can read, watch, listen to, or talk about.”
Knowledge and access to it is both a right and a privilege—the time to take advantage is now. Because of this, I created a reading list that is as eclectic as it is artfully chosen, meant to inspire you to hop on the bandwagon.
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury
A dystopian novel originally published in 1953; Bradbury explores a future in which literature is criminal, censorship is at an all time high, and the government responds by burning books and libraries enmasse, and imprisoning those that try
to stop them. This way, those in power are completely in control of all information and knowledge available–and facts can become whatever those in power want them to be.
“The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating” by Elizabeth Tova Bailey
With an illness keeping her bedbound, Bailey shares the experience of being the observer and caretaker of a woodland snail living on her nightstand.
“Factory Girls” by Michelle Gallen
A witty and insightful story of a girl’s summer job at a shirt factory in 1994 Northern Ireland. The cast of characters are diverse and have interesting conversations about class, religion and governance–how hard it is to be hopeful in divided times. “Human Acts” by Han Kang
Broken into five parts, Human Acts follows five different characters grappling with the death of a young boy after his violent demise amid the Gwangju Uprising in South Korea. Kang pulls no punches, telling the brutal truth regardless of how uncomfortable it may be.
“The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
From the same author that wrote “Braiding Sweetgrass,” The Serviceberry asks bold questions in subtle ways, challenging the modern economic system’s usage of scarcity and the hoarding of resources when ancient and/or native knowledge tells us that the best way to survive is with community and reciprocity.
Regardless of what literature you pick up this year, let it be done with curiosity and an open mind. Explore things printed outside of your country, your language, your comfort zone. Choose books based on covers, a quote you saw on the internet, or what your estranged aunt recommended.
Literacy, knowledge, physical media, stories–these are things that cannot be bought, and are completely invaluable. That’s all we’d have left if the Internet were to vanish tomorrow, anyway; it’s time to start treating books like the finite resource they are.
Black History Fact: A Change In Perspective
Did you know that Greenwood wasn’t the only black - owned town in Oklahoma? According to travelok and Okhistory.org, between 1865 and 1920, approximately 50 all-black towns were settled in Oklahoma. Although the number declined after the Great Depression, 13 of these original settlements are still incorporated in Oklahoma today. These towns included, Boley, Brooksville, Clearview, Grayson, Langston, Lima, Red Bird, Rentiesville, Summit, Taft, Tatums, Tullahassee and Vernon.
Courtesy graphics
On Jan. 17, 2025, a remake of the 1941 film “Wolf Man” released in theaters, directed by Leigh Whannel and produced by Jason Blum and Ryan Gosling.
The film follows Blake (Christopher Abbott) and his family returning to their childhood home after the death of their father to get his affairs in order.
After arrival, though, the family is attacked by an animalistic creature – and Blake changes into something monstrous.
The concept is interesting, but the actual execution of “Wolf Man” fell flat, giving it an unimpressive experience.
There is no narrative device pushing the story forward; events seem to happen at random, giving the audience only the glimpse of a plot.
The overall direction of the film is disjointed, with no callbacks to the original film or references to werewolf lore like the effects of a full moon or a weakness to silver. This lack is not necessarily a bad thing, but the film fails to make up for it elsewhere.
Technically, the film is very well done. It is visually appealing, with excellent use of shadow and light during certain scenes. It includes the Wolf Man’s perspective, Blake’s point of view when he is transformed, where he can no longer understand language and sees the world in shades of green and purple.
The film has great practical effects when it comes to body horror, but falls short with the makeup, giving more of a Teen Wolf vibe than that of the monstrous Wolf Man.
an interview
the makeup put him in the mindset of an animal, making him feel trapped.
“There’s a tactile element where it helps you shape your body that way,” Abbott said.
Despite giving an excellent feral-wolf performance, the makeup still may pull a viewer out of the atmosphere of the film, giving Wolf Man a less hairy and more bat-like appearance.
Director Leigh Whannell led the
project, making this his second Universal Studios monster movie, after “The Invisible.”
“For me, the Wolf Man is about transformation and disease,” Whannell said.
“It’s a disease at heart, and I really wanted to show what it’s like when you lose your
faculties or when this person you love doesn’t recognize you anymore.”
The film achieved this, if nothing else, but it feels underdeveloped, like some parts are still missing. “Wolf Man” feels like an unfinished project more than a feature film.
On Aug. 30, 2024, Floridian rapper Doechii released her debut album “Alligator Bites Never Heal.”
Though her rise to fame has not been easy, Doechii has made history.
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, she became the third female rapper ever to win in the Best Rap Album category.
The only other women to have won this award are Lauryn Hill and Cardi B, all women of color.
Doechii’s acceptance speech moved the audience to tears and cheers as she spoke for all people of color, but specifically to young Black women.
“I know that there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there that are watching me right now and I wanna tell you, you can do it,” Doechii said.
“Anything is possible.”
Doechii has two EPs: “Coven Music Session Vol. 1” (2019) and “Oh the Places You’ll Go” (2020), but she said that “Alligator Bites Never Heal” is her most
vulnerable mixtape.
Much of the inspiration for the album came from Doechii’s struggle with drug abuse and maintaining sobriety, as well as her experience as a Black woman, one with extreme anxiety.
The opening song “Stanka Pooh” comes in with a simple but rhythmic beat.
The lyrics are a stream of Doechii’s anxious thoughts like, “I’m dead, she’s dead / Just another Black Lives Matter,” and “What if I choke on this Slurpee / What if I make it big.”
And make it big, she did.
The most popular song off the Grammywinning album is easily “Denial is a River,” which talks about her experience with drug abuse.
The story is presented by Doechii to a second voice serving as her conscience, this way it shows Doechi literally talking through her problems, unpacking trauma and selfreflecting.
The second voice is like a therapist, and Doechii closes the song with a breathing
exercise.
“Alligator Bites Never Heal” isn’t just about honesty and vulnerability though –it’s also Doechii refusing to be backed into a corner, proving that she can still have fun.
The song “Boom Bap” is full of fun phonetic vocals; it is music in which both artist and listener are having fun.
After winning her first ever Grammy, Doechii released a surprise single, “Nosebleeds.”
It is a powerful, confident song – written even before winning.
In it,
“Everybody wanted to know what
do if
I guess we’ll never know.
Doechii has brought old-school style and artistry back to rap. She is a pioneer and a legend in the making, a pillar for alternative Black women.
“Alligator Bites Never Heal” has earned its hype, and Doechii has earned her pride. I rate this album a 9/10.
The characters fall flat too, drawing little sympathy from the audience.
In
with JoBlo Celebrity Interviews, lead actor Christopher Abbot said
she references rapper Kanye West’s 2005 Grammys speech:
Doechii would
she didn’t win.”
Maverick Wells Staff Writer
Makayla Flenoury Staff Writer
Courtesy Photos
Courtesy Photo
Natalie Small Lead Costume Designer
Steven Utter Staff Writer
Natalie Small, a senior theater major with a concentration in technical theater, has spent the past several months buried in fabric swatches, sewing patterns and costume analyses.
She is stepping into the role as the lead costume designer for Cameron’s upcoming production of “I Love You Because” to complete her capstone requirement.
Although Small previously served as an assistant costume designer in the last production, this marks her first time leading the charge in bringing a director’s vision to life through costume design.
Small describes the experience as both exciting and challenging, particularly in blending historical and modern elements into the show’s
wardrobe.
“I Love You Because” is a contemporary musical loosely adapted from “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen that called for a unique design approach, subtly evoking the Regency Era while remaining rooted in modern aesthetics.
“I did a lot of research,” Small said. “In order to do that, I did the shape and color from that era and specifically from the 2005 movie version.”
Small found satisfaction in designing women’s costumes, where she was able to lean more heavily into Regency Era influences.
“For the women in this musical,” Small said, “they are wearing low necklines like they did in the Regency Era–high waisted skirts or pants, stuff like that.”
She has created a wardrobe that nods to the past while still fitting into the modern setting of the musical through careful selection of fabrics, silhouettes and accessories.
One important aspect of Small’s design process has been
accommodating the numerous quick changes required throughout the show.
Headbands, ties, watches and jewelry all play a role in swiftly transforming characters between scenes.
Assistant Theater Professor Dr. Natalie McCabe is directing the musical and has been impressed by Small’s commitment to the project.
“I think Natalie is really dedicated to her work and has a really great team with her to help support her vision for what the costumes are,” McCabe said, “so I’m really excited to see that happening with this show.”
Small is looking ahead to a future
in technical theatre as she prepares to graduate.
“My goal is to continue doing what I love and to pursue a career in technical theatre whether it be costume designing, stage managing, wardrobe, etc.,” Small said. “I would love to do more costume designing in the future.”
With opening night approaching, Small’s carefully crafted designs will soon take the spotlight, showcasing her talent, creativity and dedication to the craft of design.
“I Love You Because” is showing at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 20-22 and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the University Theater.
Native America Intertribal Association
Valentine’s Day Bake Sale
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 12-13 in the Science Complex, Cameron’s Native American Intertribal Association (NAIA) hosted a Valentine’s Day
NAIA’s goal with the bake sale is to raise funds to outfit the organization with matching t-shirts, and the group was halfway to their goal by noon on
This event helped a number of students either fuel their own day or gave them a gift idea for a loved one, so it was a win all around.
Among the selection were homemade desserts ranging from sugar cookies to red velvet cupcakes to baked s’mores. Numerous members and their parents contributed to the baking, and it operated on a first-come, first-serve
NAIA President Cierra Howse says the organization has more events planned for the future, so keep your eyes peeled!
Photos by Steven Utter
Williams, President Cierra Howse, and Public Relations Manager Briana Arredondo.
Photos by Serenity Clark
by
Ramona Villegas Sports Editor
The women’s basketball team was on a losing streak from Dec. 5 to Feb. 6, when the team played Texas A&M International winning 80 to 53.
Senior Shamica Smith leads in points per game with an average of 15.3. For her last season as an Aggie, Smith set personal goals for herself.
“My top priority goal was to reach 1,000 points,” Smith said. “Which I did two weeks ago.”
With a team full of fresh faces, the players have had to make adjustments. Five starters from last season have gone, leaving significant positions to fill.
The goal this season is to develop chemistry and establish a new identity on the court.
“We have a tendency to not start the
Graphic by Matthew Hasley
game out like we should be or finish out a game,” Smith said. “We have a lot of talent, and we’re all excellent players, but it just comes down to finishing out the game strong.”
The team stayed positive and continued to work hard despite an 8-15 record, but the victory against Texas A&M International boosted morale.
Webb has dedicated several seasons to helping the women’s basketball team grow.
“We have a lot of talent and we’re all excellent players, but it just comes down to finishing out the game strong.”
- Shamica Smith Senior Center for the Lady Aggies Basketball Team
Following this win was a loss against Texas A&M Kingsville, but the Aggies have not let it derail their focus.
Volunteer Assistant Coach Michael
Webb’s commitment to the program has greatly contributed to the team’s development over time.
“I think for the first time in a long time, we just looked around at each other, and I think we thought, ‘you know what, we have a good team,’” Webb said. “If we’ll just trust each other.”
The losing streak made it easy for fans to become negative about the team’s performance, unable to see the effort and determination players put in
behind the scenes. On-court struggles don’t tell the whole story.
“When you’re on a losing streak, you have times when you don’t even wanna show up for practice,” Smith said.
“But with my team, I’m proud of them because they show up each and every day to put in the work.”
Although the team can no longer make it to Frisco, the women remain confident in their abilities.
“If I give it all that I can and continue to work hard with my teammates,” Smith said. “I know that we’ll be successful in the end.”
There are five games left in the season, with the next scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Feb. 20 in the Aggie Gym.
For more information on the women’s basketball team go to: https:// cameronaggies.com/sports/womensbasketball.
Photo
Ramona Villegas