Launch

ART AROUND THE CITY ASB ANSWERS

AFTER A YEAR OF SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDERS and business restrictions, Palo Alto’s Public Art Program is one of many organizations in the city attempting to help the community recover. The program’s recent ArtLift Microgrant project, created in collaboration with Uplift Local, aims to connect the community and provide funding for local artists.

“ArtLift was intended to support local creatives in bringing joy and connection to the community at a time of isolation,” Palo Alto Public Art Program Director Elise DeMarzo said.

One artist involved in ArtLift is Daniel Malay Tran, a Sacramento-based artist who makes public sculptures, whose plans for a large-scale installation at Palo Alto City Hall were thrown off track by the pandemic. However, ArtLift offered the opportunity for him and his collaborator to still pursue their goal of spreading environmental awareness.

“I hope people gain new perspectives on their environment, the wildlife they share it with, and how ecology and biodiversity are generative forces with infinite capacity for creative expression, intelligence and resilience,” Tran said. Forty projects are currently funded by ArtLift, and will be installed across Palo Alto between April and September for viewing. More information can be found at https://tinyurl.com/artliftapply.

ARTLIFTING — Created by local artist Daniel Malay Tran, the suspended irrigation tubing art installation titled “Artlifting” hangs from a tree at Mitchell Park. Photo: Palo Alto Public Art

Photo: Emily Payne WITH JUNIOR PRESIDENT MATHEW SIGNORELLO-KATZ

What events are happening on campus right now?

We’re reimplementing Cookies on the Quad; it’s not a major activity but a fun little pick-me-up thing that we hope to have frequently. We’re also going to partner with student bands to perform on the quad for students. We hope ASB events will instill a sense of normalcy for students returning to campus.

VERBATIM: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HYBRID LEARNING?

“I think that I learn better and pay more attention when I’m in a classroom, so I’m hopeful that in-person school will make me more engaged with my classes.” — Gaurav Tyagi, senior

What will ASB elections look like this year?

Campaigning is from the 12th through the 16th, entirely virtual this year. Despite campus reopening, ASB wanted to make elections as equitable as possible for students uncomfortable returning to school. It’s really important because people should have a voice in who represents them. “I don’t want to risk my safety for something I can do from home.” — Kyle Li, freshman

“The best thing [about returning to school] is probably seeing people again, and I feel a lot more focused in class.” — Anisha Gandhi, junior

Text by SOFIA ANTEBI and EMILY YAO

CAMERAS ON!

Tired of looking boring in your breakout rooms? Spice up your meetings by using Zoom filters. Below are a few of our favorite filters for you to try out.

Happy sprout: 10/10 Hands down, best filter. So cute! So wonderful!

Midsummer: 7/10 A 2016 Snapchat classic.

Cyclops: 8/10 Embracing the Mike Wazowski look.

Mosaic eyewear: 9/10 Stay swaggy.

Hydrangea: -2/10

Somehow grew on us enough to feature.

Art by Samantha Ho

HEAR THE VOICES OF VERDE

Check out our podcast “Verde, Verbalized” on Spotify

Art by Samantha Ho

LAUNCH HUNT

Can you find all 10 flowers hidden on Launch?

ECO To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, here are some tips compiled in collaboration with Paly Eco Club to live more sustainably through small changes. Opt out of receiving plastic utensils and napkins when ordering takeout from restaurants Choose reduced packaging for online deliveries Open curtains or blinds instead of turning on lights Choose energy efficient monitors or desk lamps Turn off or unplug unnecessary appliances Compost and recycle at home Art by Xiaohan Li -FRIENDLY EARTH DAY T I P S