This semester’s Strike a Spark event at PennWest California brought together students and faculty for a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation, and community.
The day began with a keynote address by PennWest President Dr. Jon Anderson, followed by performances from the theatre department, showcasing excerpts from Bright Star and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The event also featured an alumni panel where former students shared their career journeys, providing valuable insights into the paths that can be followed from a PennWest education.
One standout attraction was Retro Bites, a retro diner-themed art showcase with a 90s flair. Krystal Anderson, a key creator behind the project, shared the inspiration behind this immersive art showcase.
“For my thesis, I wanted to create a student-led immersive art showcase, which is all set in a 90s-themed diner,” Anderson explained.
The guiding question for the project was: How can we take nostalgic elements from the 90s, fit them into a diner setting, and reimagine that theme into an immersive art gallery?
Anderson and her team sought to challenge the traditional diner aesthetic, which has often leaned into a 1950s theme.
“Our approach offers a fresh perspective on nostalgia, aiming to engage people with 90s culture in an interactive space,” Anderson said.
The project was designed to connect those who lived through the 90s while also providing a playful and creative glimpse into the past for those who didn’t.
The goal for Retro Bites was not just to showcase art but to create an experience where the audience could step into the world of the 90s diner, view the art up close, and interact with it.
“Instead of a traditional show, I wanted to explore how my theater skills could translate to an interactive experience,” Anderson noted.
The project also aimed to foster collaboration across various departments and art forms on campus, bringing together students from theater, photography, graphic design, music, and more.
Faith Mukora, a member of the Creative Board for Retro Bites, reflected on the incredible teamwork that went into making the event a success.
“We had this idea and concept, and we expanded on it, including many other artists in the showcase. There were many nights spent working on our custom tables, booths, and bar,” Mukora said.
The team also created an art space for artists to collaborate every Thursday, from 5-8 p.m., where they could create pieces and connect with others.
The final result of Retro Bites was a nostalgic 90s diner experience, with art installations, interactive stations, record painting, and $1 milkshakes, all set in a retro cafe atmosphere. It was a celebration of both artistic expression and community spirit.
“Seeing the final project created was so relieving, and I felt so proud to be a part of Retro Bites,” Mukora added.
For those who missed the event, the art gallery is still available to experience at Manderino Library, floor 3, room 319, where visitors can see the retro diner and the incredible artwork on display.
Nikki Thompson, a student involved in the event, shared her personal thoughts on Strike a Spark.
“Creativity is a true value for others,” Thompson said. “I enjoyed showing costumes that I created for shows and other works! I was happy to bring my creations to life and wanted others to see my works!”
Her participation also earned her first place in the creative works competition, a testament to her talent and dedication.
Strike a Spark was not only a showcase of student work but also a celebration of the power of creativity to inspire and bring people together.
As Danyell McGee, a participant, put it: “This event is a wonderful reminder of the power of art to bring people together and to inspire creativity, offering an enriching experience for everyone involved.”
With engaging panels, creative competitions, and a chance to connect with others, Strike a Spark was a vibrant reminder of the incredible talent at PennWest California and the lasting impact of creativity in our lives.
