Wednesday night Alumni Hall provided a place for a meeting very few thought would ever happen.

Quinnipiac’s student organization Montage sponsored an “I Heart Art” evening which showcased all sorts of creative conceptions by students, and “celebrated art through life.”

Bright oil paintings stood upon easels, black, white, and color photographs decorated multiple tables placed in the room. Sketches, diagrams, and student-produced films were also on display, while those who chose to express themselves through song, performed on the open-mic.

“It’s like a different place here,” said senior media production major, Nick Jones. “There’s art and music here! I didn’t think art existed at Quinnipiac.”

Many others felt the same way, which is why Montage decided to put the event together.

“At one of our meetings, we were throwing ideas around about how to extend the creativity on this campus,” said Valerie Smith, faculty advisor for Montage, and assistant professor of English. “This festival grew out of that.”

Led by Christina McKitish and Alaina Cuglietto, the 30 strong Montage staff worked to collect the creative projects of students for the art festival. Flyers were sent out requesting submissions. Some of the art and design classes sent in works, while others simply wanted to share their love of art with whoever would appreciate it.

“I’ve always loved art,” said Matt DiGiovanna, a sophomore undecided liberal arts major. “When you create art, you make something that will outlast you. It’s the way it makes you feel, and that’s how people appreciate it.”

DiGiovanna had many examples of the art he practices on display at the festival.

Naoise Gleeson was told about the art festival by her roommate. Although the sophomore nursing major did not submit any art to be displayed, she did visit Alumni to see the works of others.

“I like the photography,” Gleeson said. “There’s so much talent here.”

Talent aside, there was simply a tremendous range of subjects and themes at the I Heart Art Festival.

Daniel Vecchitto chose to do a decoupage of newspapers clippings with portraits of Anne Franke and Albert Einstein.

Jaimie Fiore exhibited her photographs from Italy, while John-Austin Catero’s photographs included beach scenes and other flora and fauna.

Raquel Leusner displayed the bracelets she had made to the festival.

Cuglietto and McKitish each had their own contributions: Cuglietto with photographs and paintings, and McKitish planned to read poetry at the “slam” later that evening.

The immense turnout was not lost on anyone, especially faculty.

“It’s great to see this kind of self-organizing,” said Gregory Garvey, professor of digital design. “There’s not only art, but music, and poetry!”

Although the Montage staff had a fairly good guess at the amount of hidden artistic talent at the university, seeing the fruits of their efforts still had most in an awestruck frame of mind.

“I’m completely blown away,” McKitish said. “I’m so excited to see all these people here, enjoying art, and seeing what we finally tapped into here at Quinnipiac.”

The festival might be over, but Montage will be putting out its annual magazine of art and writing later this year. For those interested in submitting, or for those simply curious, e-mail [email protected].