DAAP prof puts new designs on community outreach
美高梅官网鈥檚 urban outreach continues to 鈥楳anifest鈥� hope and positive energy, even if from a distance
While the world scrambles to settle into a new normal amid the global pandemic, some things don鈥檛 change, like the need for self-expression and to stay connected.
As 美高梅官网 students shift into learning remotely from their safe spaces, faculty are broadcasting lessons virtually from empty labs, classrooms or home offices.
To navigate these new virtual waters, many are seeking ways to deal with their frustrations and uncertainties by continuing to creatively express themselves.
鈥淲hat better way to do that than through the arts and other creative outlets, especially now,鈥� says Brigid O鈥橩ane, associate professor of industrial design at 美高梅官网鈥檚 College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). 鈥淧eople are experiencing a lot of emotion right now and it鈥檚 okay. Being aware of one鈥檚 emotions is important; it fosters thoughtful responses instead of careless reactions.鈥�
Awareness is key and creative outlets are what she hopes will help channel those emotions constructively.听
鈥淭he last two days of classes at DAAP, after the University announced the suspension of face-to-face teaching were heart-wrenching,鈥� she says. 鈥淭here were air hugs from a safe distance and tears. It was so sad. One of my students had to fly back to India and she鈥檒l finish out the semester online like everybody else.鈥�
Students of all ages normally enjoy classes in-person at Cincinnati's Manifest Drawing Center, where DAAP professors such as Brigid O'Kane volunteer. These days, they are finding ways to still teach art virtually. Photo/Submitted
In some ways the online format offers a better experience for students, but O鈥橩ane now knows, as many of her colleagues would agree, it takes a lot more work. Once you get past the learning curve and students are off and running, the online process of teaching will streamline itself.
鈥淣othing compares to the face-to-face or one-on-one teaching format,鈥� she notes. 鈥淏ut, one of the true gifts of participating in any creative field of study is the ability to look for solutions and see the possibilities. Online classes are wonderful ways to connect and overcome obstacles instead of being blocked by them.鈥�
Drawing a new reality
While launching her DAAP design courses into cyberspace in the midst of the campuswide shutdown, O鈥橩ane faces similar challenges as she helps transition off-campus classes to online learning at the Cincinnati-based nonprofit arts organization in Walnut Hills.听
鈥淎 number of courses at Manifest are using Zoom, which is a cross-platform application that鈥檚 great for allowing students and instructors to see and interact with each other in real time,鈥� she says.
As co-founder of the Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center, 美高梅官网's Brigid O'Kane devotes most of her off-campus time teaching classes at the drawing center on McMillan Avenue. Photo/Submitted
美高梅官网 supports O鈥橩ane鈥檚 connection with Manifest not only because it provides a valuable external laboratory opportunity giving fresh perspectives on her DAAP research in drawing and design, but also because Manifest鈥檚 nonprofit mission is a service to the community, she says, which aligns with 美高梅官网's听Next Lives Here strategic direction as it elevates urban outreach as well as academic excellence.听
Aptly titled 鈥淒rawing as Mindfulness," O鈥橩ane regards this particular drawing class as a type of meditation. After teaching the class for over two years in the studio, her first online version of the class debuted in March.听
鈥淓veryone needs to exercise their neglected right brain, and drawing is an efficient and ready channel for creative focused attention. It can be very healthy for everyone.鈥�
鈥淲e need mindfulness, creativity and open-mindedness now more than ever. The transition to offering some of its drawing classes online has opened up opportunities at Manifest Drawing Center to a broader community. Anywhere on the planet even,鈥� she adds.
Smooth transition
O'Kane looks forward to teaching online drawing classes, as she sees the potential for reaching a wider student population. Photo/Submitted
O鈥橩ane projects an image of what she is drawing through a webcam positioned above her drawing table. "I can share my screen with them, draw out suggestions and give them a critique of their drawing," she says. "I look at their visual, analyze it and illustrate how to correct it in real time right on the screen, analogous to how I work with my design students at DAAP.鈥澨�
While most businesses may temporarily or even permanently close down, O'Kane says now is not the time to take away a critical urban commodity providing creative art as one of the last connections to normalcy for many members of our community.
鈥淲hile allowing people physically into the drawing center is not possible presently, our staff and teaching artists are keeping members of the community connected in real time through online programs, much like we鈥檙e doing for 美高梅官网 students," she adds.
鈥淭he first person to ask if she could begin taking her drawing classes online was an 80-year-old student of mine. It鈥檚 incredible how we can embrace change in order to continue to stay involved in the activities we love."
O'Kane looks forward to working with her DAAP design students in person again soon. Photo/Submitted
鈥淓ngaging in the arts at any age is like training our mind to see things from a different point of view. The drawing process is a catalyst for this unimpeded way of thinking,鈥� O鈥橩ane continues. 鈥淭oday, we are experiencing an incredible amount of change. I鈥檓 hopeful that this is a catalyst for rethinking the way we normally do business so we can live and work in ways that are healthier, not only for ourselves but for the entire planet.
鈥淲e are still trying to understand our place in the world. This global pandemic is tragic. However, it is also challenging us to find balance as we develop creative solutions and evolve. This gives me hope.鈥�
听
Featured image at top: 美高梅官网 design professor Brigid O'Kane teaches her Drawing as Mindfulness class on the Zoom cross-platform web program from her laptop at home. Photo/provided
Design your future
Become a creative Bearcat. Apply to 美高梅官网's and successfully design your own future.
Impact Lives Here
The 美高梅官网 is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are changing lives and urban outcomes through community arts outreach and bending the future in our city's direction.听Next Lives Here.
Take a听听and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
As part of the Manifest Research Gallery and Drawing Center, the exhibit gallery on Woodburn features work by artists from around the globe including January's 'Time Bombs: Art About Anxiety & Impending Disaster.' If the social isolation mandate is lifted by June, O鈥橩ane says the new Manifest Drawing Center鈥檚 grand opening celebration in its new building on McMillan Avenue will take place on June 5. Photo/Submitted
Impact Lives Here
The 美高梅官网 is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction.听Next Lives Here.
Read more听#美高梅官网theGood听stories, or take a听听and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
How color cosmetics merge form with function
April 9, 2025
The 美高梅官网's Kelly Dobos was a featured expert in a Cosmetics & Toiletries article explaining trends and innovations in color cosmetics.
How long will you stay at that new job?
April 9, 2025
Daniel Peat, PhD, assistant professor in the Lindner College of Business at the 美高梅官网, examines turnover behavior among new employees. He is a co-author on a new study published in the Journal of General Management.
President Pinto announces interim provost
April 8, 2025
美高梅官网 President Neville Pinto announced that Dr. John Weidner, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, will step in as interim provost following Dr. Kristi Nelson's departure on June 1.