MADFest is an annual Competition and Festival produced by the College of Arts and Communication, which offers 12 different majors in the visual, performing, and media arts. For more information, visit westliberty.edu/coac/
Thank You for a very successful 2019 MADFest!!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Lc8bm9uXgYs
- 30 High Schools from West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania
- Guest Juror Reagan Heller from Schell Games in Pittsburgh
- Guest Juror Brandon Jennings from KBK Enterprises in Pittsburgh
- Guest Juror Chris Russell from PopShop WV in Morgantown
- West Liberty Faculty and Staff for their amazing Sessions
- Lou Karas and the West Liberty Center for Arts and Education for logistics and resource support
- The West Liberty University Foundation for financial support
2019 MADFest Sessions
- Art Opportunities in the Game Industry and Career Advice. Reagan Heller, VP of Art with Schell Games, guest juror. The Video Game and Interactive Experience industry hosts a wide and surprisingly varied range of artistic roles. Reagan will present to break down these roles into job titles, definitions of responsibilities- and most importantly, offer insight into what game studios are looking for in portfolios for each role.
- “YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG!” (and other things my instructors have likely said about me)Chris Russell, Founder/Executive Director PopShopWV, guest juror. This workshop presents ideas about Popular Music Education. What if there’s no “right” approach to teaching/learning to play an instrument?
- Caricature Workshop. Brandon Jennings, graphic designer with KBK Enterprises, guest juror. In this workshop students will learn several set-up techniques for drawing caricatures. The students will start with observation, learning what to exaggerate on the human face. They will also learn when and where to use different line thickness.
- The Healing Power of Art. Dr. Susan Ridley, WLU professor of Art Therapy. Hands on workshop. In this session, students will learn how Creative Arts Therapy can be used as a therapeutic tool in the healing process. Simple art directives will be explored using a variety of art materials.
- Grunge Style Mixed Media Workshop. WLU ART CLUB. Kick it back like a real punk from the 80’s with this button and sticker-making workshop. You will use an array of products to grunge up your artwork. We will juxtapose images and apply them to buttons and stickers to produce an authentic punk style of art.
- Learning Styles. Dr. Jeff Grubbs, WLU professor of Art. THIS SESSION IS FOR TEACHERS ONLY. Dr. Grubbs will lead students through a “Learning Style” exercise to determine some techniques for increasing retention.
- 3D animation with Lightwave. Christian Lee, WLU professor of Broadcasting. (12 participants) Animation – All ability levels – Hands on workshop. Students will participate in the making of simple 3D animations.
- Printmaking Fundamentals. Martyna Matusiak, WLU professor of Art. (20 participants) All ability levels. Hands on workshop. Learn the fundamentals of printmaking.
- Blood and Gore. Meta Lasch, WLU professor Theater. Conducted by Meta Lasch, Hunter Helms and students. This session will cover blood and gore from your own kitchen. Included will be recipes for fast drying blood, eatable blood and will show various effects using latex, moulage and general appliances. Come get your gore on. LIMIT 20 – LOCATION: Kelly Theatre Scene Shop.
- Introduction to Methods and Types of 3D Printing. Meta Lasch, WLU professor Theater. Conducted by Meta Lasch, Christopher Rees and Andrew Dillie. Take a look at what’s possible with an inexpensive 3D Printer. We will deal with how to get started with this new side to artifact creation. LIMIT 10 – LOCATION: Kelly Theatre Costume Shop: Room 130
- Creating a Watercolor Painting Effect in Photoshop. Moonjung Kang, WLU professor of Art. (20 participants) Hands on workshop. In this session, students will experience the aesthetics of a hand-painted picture using watercolor paints. Photoshop brushes, filters, and paper effects will add an extra level of realism to produce a convincing effect.
- Expressive Collage. Sarah Davis, WLU professor of Art. This is a hands on workshop where students use a variety of media including printed material, color paper, found objects and paint to create a unique conceptual piece. By overlapping cut-out materials and images, students build up interesting textures with layered meaning, resulting in mixed-media work that tells a story.
- Commercial Writing & Producing. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell, WLU professor of Communications and Jamie Peck, Coordinator of the Recording Studio and professor of Music Technology.This is a hands-on workshop where students will learn the process of creating a radio commercial in West Liberty’s recording studio. Students will learn how to write a 30-second radio script, record, and mix compositions with professional results.
Questions: madfest@westliberty.edu
Congratulations to the Winners of the High School Competition!
Traditional Art – Drawing
First Place: “Fe(e)line The Love”, B. Leiffer, Union Local High School
Second Place: “Window to the Soul”, C. Lancia, Martins Ferry High School
Honorable Mention: “Petrichor”, J. Aucoin, Parkersburg Hihg School
Honorable Mention: “It’s Our Thing”, A. Loase, Union Local High School
Traditional Art – Painting
First Place: “Ed 1951”, A. Moeller, Union Local High School
Second Place: “Doors to Open”, D. Rechichar, Belle Vernon Area High School
Honorable Mention: “Bright and Rich”, A. Gianangeli, Bellaire High School
Honorable Mention: “A-Symmetrical Horizon”, S. Baciak, Belle Vernon Area High School
Traditional Art – Mixed Media
First Place: “Are You Afraid of the Dark”, A. Vitale, Bridgeport High School
Second Place: “Uncle Noodles”, Aja Miller, Avella High School
Honorable Mention: “Untitled”, A. Starr, Brooke High School
Honorable Mention: “Heart”, E. Estep, Magnolia High School
Traditional Art – Sculpture
First Place: “Protect Thy Fragile Heart”, K. Huck, Monroe Central High School
Second Place: “Smart Chair”, H. Kemp, Union Local High School
Honorable Mention: “Sunflower Chip and Dip”, L. Little, Union Local High School
Honorable Mention: “1,204 Memories On Me”, J Nalley, Monroe Central High School
Original Electronic Music
First Place: M. Du, “The Breath of Spring”, The Linsly School
Second Place: R. Mullen, “Swamp Man Theme”, Bridgeport High School
Honorable Mention: L. Newton, “Storms”, Union Local High School
Honorable Mention: J. Stith, “I Really Think I Can”, Elizabeth Forward High School
Photography
First Place: “Rhythmic Markhor”, K. Stock, Union Local High School
Second Place: “Mentality”, E. Robinson, The Linsly School
Honorable Mention: “Daydreaming”, E. Porbin, Avella High School
Honorable Mention: “There She Goes”, K. Crowell, Westinghouse Arts Academy
Digital Imaging
First Place: “Luminous”, J. Aucoin, Parkersburg High School
Second Place: “The Encounter”, M. Monarque, Union Local High School
Honorable Mention: “You’re Never Too Old To Play With Dolls”, A. Vitale, Bridgeport High School
Graphic Design
First Place: “Let’s Start a Riot”, T. Gross, Jefferson County Vocational School
Second Place: “Batman”, C. Morale, Jefferson County Vocational School
Honorable Mention: “Nowhere to Hide”, Ashley Langsdorf, Monroe Central High School
Short Film
First Place: “Double 0 Joe”, E. Law, Belpre High School
Second Place: “Life in Color”, H. Palmer, Elizabeth Forward High School
Honorable Mention: “Hologram”, A. Salazar, Marietta High School
Honorable Mention: “Red”, D. Song, The Linsly School
Video Documentary
First Place: “Business Professionals of America”, T. Ketchum, Marietta High School
Second Place: “Recruitment”, E. Law, Belpre High School
Honorable Mention: “Fall of the Mall”, K. Jones, Elizabeth Forward High School
Honorable Mention: “Creating Relationships”, J. Fritsky, Elizabeth Forward High School
Animation
First Place: “Literally”, M. Younge, Elizabeth Forward High School
Second Place: “Pocket Watch”, A. Rithner, Brooke High School
Honorable Mention: “Bury a Friend”, C. Behrendt, Jefferson County Vocational School
Honorable Mention: “Caged Bird”, A. Harder, Wheeling Park High School
FACULTY CHOICE HIGH SCHOOL
“Fe(e)line The Love”, B. Leiffer, Union Local High School
FACULTY CHOICE winner will receive a $2000 scholarship to attend WLU
BEST IN SHOW HIGH SCHOOL
“Fe(e)line The Love”, B. Leiffer, Union Local High School
BEST IN SHOW winner receives a $250 Amazon Gift Card
Congratulations to the Winners of the College Competition!
Painting
First Place:
“101 Dalmatians Street”,
Abigail Fonow, Visual Communication Design
Second Place:
“Groovin’ on Sunday”,
Claire Pittman, Creative Arts Therapy
Honorable Mention:
“Spring Deer”,
Abigail Fonow, Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention:
“Day on the Lake”,
Katherine Stamper, Art Education
Drawing
First Place:
“Mr. Potato Head”,
Mary Horzempa, Music Education
Second Place:
“Skull Drawing”,
Tyler Smith, Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention:
“The Skeleton Man”,
Jamie Fogle, Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention:
“Importance of Family”,
Kelsey Hayden, Visual Communication Design
Sculpture
First Place:
“Heavy Hangs the Albatross”,
William Tallman, Visual Communication Design
Second Place:
“Gumball”,
Abbie Henry , Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention
: “Nature’s Beast”,
Jacob Pierce, Art Education
Honorable Mention:
“Body Map”,
Danielle Coss, Creative Arts Therapy
Mixed Media
First Place:
“Three Faced”,
Abbie Henry, Visual Communication Design
Second Place:
“Beethoven”,
Mary Horzempa, Music Education
Honorable Mention:
“Avarice”, Luna Phalen, Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention:
“Frustration Collage”, Autumn Carver, Theater
Photography
First Place:
“Baletoman”,
Katie Bizanovich, Digital Media Design
Second Place:
“Blessed by God”,
Autumn Carver, Theater
Honorable Mention:
“All in the Details”,
Kelsi Jones, Digital Media Design
Honorable Mention:
“College Stereotyping”,
Kelsey Hayden, Visual Communication Design
Digital Imaging
First Place:
“Black Girl Magic”,
Grace Bulabula, Marketing and Graphic Design
Second Place:
“Main Glitch”,
Samantha Snyder, Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention:
“Paris Night”,
Jamie Fogle, Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention:
“Summit Invasion”,
Patrick King, Digital Media Design
Graphic Design
First Place:
“Addiction Demon”,
Shayla Murray, Visual Communication Design
Second Place:
“Vote NCR”,
Mimi Albon, Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention:
“NCR T-Shirt”,
Mimi Albon, Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention:
“Milk’s Favorite Cookie”,
Danielle Merritt, Visual Communication Design
Short Film
First Place:
“Play Shoes”, Corey Knollinger, Digital Media Design
Second Place:
“Make It Or Break It”, Kellsi Anderson, Digital Media Design
Honorable Mention:
“The Basketball Player”, Nash Morris, Digital Media Design
Audio Documentary
First Place:
“The Voice of thew Hilltoppers”,
Lauren Fridley, Broadcasting
Second Place:
“Drumming Legend Eric Carr”,
Elizabeth Allen,
Honorable Mention:
“Scatman John”,
Brody Eggert,
Honorable Mention:
“Native Americans in West Virginia”,
Corey Knollinger, Digital Media Design
Original Electronic Music
First Place:
“Celestial”,
Ryan Smurthwaite, Music Technology
Second Place:
“Full Control”,
Isaiah Martin, Digital Media Design
Honorable Mention:
“Digital Rain”,
Ryan Smurthwaite, Music Technology
Honorable Mention:
“Where From Here”,
Ryan Smurthwaite, Music Technology
Video Documentary
First Place: “Trying Times”,
Corey Knollinger, Digital Media Design
Second Place: “The Dadumentary”,
Pat King, Digital Media Design
Honorable Mention:
“Acrobatics and Tumbling”,
Lauren Fridley, Broadcasting
Honorable Mention:
“The Black Toppers”,
Grace Bulabula, Marketing and Graphic Design
Animation
First Place:
“BC – Scene 2”,
Nate Wilhelm, Illustration
Second Place:
“Path to Isolation”,
Olivia Baumhoer, Broadcasting & Digital Media Design
Honorable Mention:
“Without Me – Halsey”,
Paige Heller, Visual Communication Design
Honorable Mention:
“Revolution Radio”,
Mimi Albon, Visual Communication Design
FACULTY CHOICE COLLEGE
“Addiction Demon”, Shayla Murray
BEST IN SHOW COLLEGE
“Trying Times”, Corey Knollinger
The 2019 MAD Festival takes place on the beautiful campus of West Liberty University on Friday, April 12, 2019. It will be a day filled with cutting-edge art and design, workshops and sessions, professional artists and producers, and an award ceremony for students. Hundreds of students from dozens of high schools in WV, PA, and OH will participate again this year. Because of the high level of interest in MAD Fest, we will be limiting registration this year to 25 students per high school. Be sure to register your students early. See “Important Dates” below. MAD Festival Registration Page.
The MAD Competition is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. All WLU students can participate in the Competition. Entries will be judged by a panel of professionals in the media arts. Best of Show prizes include scholarship money and more! See “Important Dates” below. MAD Competition Page.
Important Dates and Information:
- MAD Competition open January 14 – March 1, 2019: The MAD Competition is open to 10th-12th graders in the state of West Virginia, eastern Ohio, and western Pennsylvania. Students can submit their work between January 14 and March 1, 2019.
- MAD Festival Registration opens January 28, 2019: Teachers can register to bring their students to the MAD festival (April 12, 2019). Each school is limited to 25 students or less.
- Session Registration opens February 25, 2019: Students who have been registered by their teacher (above) can choose which sessions/workshops they want to attend during MAD Festival (April 12, 2019).
- The 2019 MAD Festival at West Liberty University is Friday, April 12, 2019
- 25 students is the limit per high school. We have limited space and we want to accommodate as many schools as possible.
- Free. We work very hard to provide the MAD Competition and the MAD Festival completely free of charge for high school students in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Registration, donuts, lunch, and all sessions and workshops are completely free.
The schedule for the 2019 MAD Fest on April 12 is yet to be determined but will include multiple workshops and sessions for students to attend, an awards ceremony where winners of the MAD Competition will be announced, and more. Light morning refreshments and a full lunch are provided.
Questions: madfest@westliberty.edu
MADFEST Poster for 2019. Click to download the posters for printing.
(black & white and color versions available)
Created by WLU students Morgan Wiedebusch and Lucas Shaver