Those who will not be attending the 30th Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon this weekend can get a glimpse of its past festivities by simply taking a leisurely stroll through the Art Alley in the HUB-Robeson Center.
The Faces of Thon features 25 vibrant digital images of Thon 2001 taken by undergraduates of the Digital Photography Studio.
“More than a thousand images were captured during Thon last year,” Gerald Lang, professor of art and coordinator of the exhibit said. "It was an extremely difficult task choosing which pieces went into the show."
Smiling kids, tired dancers and teary-eyed parents are just among a few of the subjects shown in the pictures. "The goal was to capture the spirit and energy of this great event, and I think it did just that," Lang said.
"The interest of the exhibit has been extremely positive ever since it opened," Carol Brooks, a gallery assistant for the HUB-Robeson Galleries said. "There is always a group of students surrounding the exhibit."
The exhibit originated from a class activity the students wanted to participate in, and ended with the popular HUB attraction. "It was a great opportunity for them to capture such a grand event. Especially using the digital media, it puts a creative twist on regular photographing, " Lang said.
The previously graduated student photographers could not be reached for comments.
"The idea was to shoot what they saw. I would hope not only the events of Thon, but the emotions of all involved showed through the pictures as well," Lang said on the purpose of the photographs.
"There are always students who aren't aware of what Thon is, and these pictures are a great way to share the excitement this event," Brooks said.
The photographs capture the excited grins of children playing, exhausted students leaning against each other for support, the mass of colorful shirts of the Thon dancers and team members and not to mention the sizeable Rec Hall packed with participants from all walks of life.
"The images are beautiful, but I think Thon covers more aspects than just children playing and posed pictures," Lisa Soto (junior-journalism) said on the portrayal of Thon. "I've been to Thon, and it's a great cause. But I think someone basing their opinion on what Thon is on these pictures may be in for a surprise.
"This exhibit seems to lean towards promotion of what Thon may be for, but doesn't necessarily incorporate the spirit of all its participants," Soto said.
No matter what emotions or essence the spectators may attain from the exhibit, Dance Marathon is upon Penn State, and one motto needs to be reminded time and again, it's all "for the kids."
