Stony Brook University held its second annual ART Tank event on October 29, where 11 student artists presented their work to a panel of judges. The competition, known as “Artists Rising Through,” was created by the Campus Beautification Committee (CBC) to support and showcase student artists from across the university.
Judi Brown Clarke, Stony Brook’s Vice President for Equity & Inclusion, Chief Diversity Officer, and Chief Health Equity Officer, served as a judge for the second year in a row and is also executive sponsor of the CBC. She commented on the event: “ART Tank is an inspiring testament to the creativity, intellect and vision of Stony Brook’s student artists — brilliant minds who remind us that art and powerful storytelling are essential to shaping a better world.”
David Ecker, CBC member and founder of both Wolfie Tank and ART Tank, acted as emcee for this year’s event. The judging panel included Jason Paradis (artist/professor of practice), Eric Murphy (assistant to the director of Asian Art and Culture at the Charles B. Wang Center), and Norah Allam, a senior whose mural appears in SoMAS’ Endeavor Hall.
The entries ranged from painted murals to crochet squares and digital artwork. Participants came from diverse academic backgrounds; many were not art majors but shared a commitment to expressing messages of hope, inclusion, inspiration, and leaving a legacy at Stony Brook.
Paradis remarked: “It was great to hear a diverse range of pitches from our student body. It was also refreshing to hear concepts from students across all disciplines, not just from the art department. A creative spirit throughout our campus solidifies their interests and enriches the overall educational experience.”
Allam added: “ART Tank was able to showcase the exceptional artistic talents of Stony Brook students across diverse disciplines, continuing efforts to beautify the campus in a meaningful and lasting way!”
Murphy noted: “Even though ART Tank is in its infancy, it’s already helped students realize their aspirations of being able to leave their mark on campus, which beautifies it for the rest of the student body and faculty alike to enjoy. And I cannot wait to see what the future holds!”
Ecker expressed enthusiasm about sustaining ART Tank as an annual tradition: “Each presenter’s projects were so well thought out. They were able to show their emotions through art. And everyone in the audience felt they could connect with each piece. I’m so excited that this initiative has proved it can live on as an annual happening.” He added his personal motivation: “What drives me to do this, and everything I do at Stony Brook, is one mission: I want to help students be and do their best. I love to see students grow and develop, and if I can have some impact on the success they achieve after they leave here, that’s what it’s all about.”
This year’s winners were Raymond Lizzol ‘26 (Political Science/Business Management Major with an Accounting Minor) for his painted mural “The Eye of Stony Brook,” Holly Paik ‘26 (Psychology) for her crochet squares mural, and Mariam Penalta ‘26 (Political Science) for her painted mural “Dare to Dream.”
Lizzol reflected on his achievement: “You wouldn’t believe how much I’ve prayed to get this opportunity. I hope that when people look into ‘The Eye of Stony Brook,’ they feel this is Stony Brook. They feel the vision, and they feel grounding and yet movement. Personally, winning this year’s ART Tank means I get to be who I am — it was a dream I had that one day, that a sheet would be pulled off my face, I would walk up many flights of stairs. Winning is one thing; having an eye on excellence is another. Thank you, Stony Brook, for the win!”
Paik said: “It is surreal that my crocheted pieces will be displayed on campus next semester. This campus has been my home for the past three-and-a-half years so I’m grateful that I can give back to it in a meaningful way… During ART Tank,I was able confidently stand before judges tell them about my art.I am very proud myself will remember this event fondly long time.”
Penalta shared her perspective: “I believe that answer question [what being competition,and winning means me] lies two things: legacy community.On one hand,I’m very proud able make something will succeed me my time campus.On other hand,I’ve long held belief should everywhere.I think way we construct our spaces can say lot about society inhabits them.I’m really happy help better After all,power inspire why not inspire something great?”
The installation details for these projects will be announced at a later date.
