Recently, The Art Institute had it’s first Carnival! Student Affairs worked hard to create a fun little break for students right before finals week.

Face Painting

The college also invited folks from the community to join in the festivities. I was impressed by the student participation and how many stuck around throughout the evening. It wasn’t a real carnival (with rides) but there were lots of fun things to do.

Like face painting! I was surprised at how many students (and younger kids) wanted their cheeks covered in stars, peace signs, hearts, and arrows (I guess like the Airbender cartoon?). The booth was run by C.H.A.T. (Celebrating Hispanic Arts and Traditions), a club I am an adviser for). I think Alex and Cristina did a great job face painting, and Alex did a great job with the sign. Hm, I must post a picture of it soon…it’s coolio.

Bungee Run

Also, they had an awesome bungee run! This was sort of off to the side of the carnival due to space. I bet had it been a bit more visible, students (and instructors) would have been all over it. Did I do it? Nah. But I would have, if I had a good adversary that matched my speed and cat like reflexes. I saw those little kids fly back as they try to reach the goal (they had to stick a flag thingy to the end). It was pretty funny, but at times looked a little painful. Maybe next time.

Jalapeno Eating Contest

C.H.A.T. also put on a Jalapeno Eating Contest! At first, no one wanted to sign up, but soon they had about 9 people total. Students had to race to eat the most jalapenos. Okay, so they didn’t know how many would try, so it ended up that whoever ate 8 whole jalapenos first would win. Milk was provided just in case things got too hot. The contest was over in less than a minute! Sadly, I didn’t get to take a photo of the winner. One of my previous students, a female no less, won! These weren’t the small jalapenos, they were big and pickled. Yuck! She, and the runner up, won a free flash drive from the college. I forgot to ask her if she had any “issues” later that night!

Photo Ops

Students served up everything from popcorn and cotton candy to snow cones and hot dogs with fortunes (or misfortunes). The Dean opened hers up to find: “A giant spit wad is heading towards Austin right now!”. Don’t worry, the fortunes were in an attached stick thingy and not in the hot dog. The audio production classes provided the sound for the live music. I wanted to mention “Tejanosarous Rex” mainly because I think their band name is so funny. They are still a new band looking for a label and management and fans…but they got the name down alright.

I got to hang with other instructors, like Julie, an audio instructor.

Gina and Julie

She’s cool and I didn’t notice till we took the photo that we kinda match. I guess she got the memo. In the photo we kinda look alike, except I’m bigger, browner and…..curlier? Why does my head look twice the size of hers?!

I’m glad I didn’t have to teach that night, because I know a lot of students were missing class to chill outside and enjoy the great weather and carnival.