With the support of a Bright Idea Grant from the ComArtSci DEI Office, strategic communication master's student Shawna Morton created a visual art project, “Fringes,” which depicts prominent women leaders throughout history.
Morton’s artwork featured a deck of cards, enlarged into posters with a unique image on the front and information about each woman on the back. Morton entered this project in this year’s Social Justice Art Festival, where she took home the award for most inspiring visual art.
“Social norms have historically enforced women to feel powerless and to not step into their full power,” Morton said. “There are so many women who paved the path for us whose stories are hard to come by.
“Fringes attempts to bring these women from the outside into the spotlight.”
The annual Social Justice Arts Festival creates space for artists to use their art as a medium to promote social justice and encourage dialogue across the MSU community. This festival provides an opportunity for MSU students to showcase their unique art as it relates to social justice.
Morton viewed her entry into this year's festival as a way to honor women while also helping everyone learn.
“It, of course, means the world to me to be honored, but I am also proud that MSU has this festival to really highlight social justice issues,” Morton said. “I’m also proud of my fellow colleagues using their talents to foster social change.”
By Joe Strother