Second Annual ART Tank Showcases More Stony Brook Student Talent

“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.”

Stony Brook’s Vice President for Equity & Inclusion, Chief Diversity Officer and Chief Health Equity Officer Judi Brown Clarke is talking about the second annual “Artists Rising Through” competition she had a front and center seat for as a judge for the second year in a row. Clarke is also executive sponsor of the Campus Beautification Committee (CBC), which conceived of the event a year ago as one more way to showcase the work of student artists across the university, and provide them with support, growth and even future career opportunities.

CBC member and founder of Wolfie Tank and now ART Tank (both fashioned after the popular Shark Tank TV series) David Ecker was emcee for the event. This year, it took place on October 29, featuring 11 student artists selected to present their projects before a panel of judges. Along with Clarke were Jason Paradis (artist/professor of practice), Eric Murphy (assistant to the director of Asian Art and Culture at the Charles B. Wang Center) and the first student judge, senior Norah Allam, whose CBC-sponsored octopus mural dons a lobby wall of SoMAS’ Endeavor Hall.

Entries ran the gamut from painted murals, to crochet squares, to digital artwork. Artists were diverse in their backgrounds, interests, techniques and majors — many studying fields other than art. The common threads: a talent to tell their stories through their art; a desire to spread messages of hope, inclusion and inspiration; and the hope to leave their own lasting legacy at Stony Brook. (There’s also a stipend, being commissioned artwork.)

“It was great to hear a diverse range of pitches from our student body,” said Paradis. “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.”

Said Allam, “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 echoed Allam’s sentiments, saying, “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!”

And Ecker said, “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.”

On a personal note, Ecker said, “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.”

And the Winners Are …

While all artists are considered winners, the judges had to choose three and they were:

Raymond Lizzol ‘26 (Political Science/Business Management Major and Accounting Minor) for his “The Eye of Stony Brook” painted mural

Holly Paik ‘26 (Psychology) for her crochet squares mural

Mariam Penalta ‘26 (Political Science) for her “Dare to Dream” painted mural

Said Lizzol: “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. As I am a senior, I have been feeling down about leaving Stony Brook, but now, I am happy that I can leave a piece of me here for many years to come.” (Paik also shared that the experience helped her overcome her previous fear of public speaking: “During ART Tank, I was able to confidently stand before the judges and tell them about my art. I am very proud of myself and will remember this event fondly for a very long time.”)

Said Penalta: “I believe that the answer to this question [what being in the competition, and winning, means to me] lies in two things: legacy and community. On one hand, I’m very proud to be able to make something that will succeed me and my time on this campus. On the other hand, I’ve long held the belief that art should be everywhere. I think that the way we construct our spaces can say a lot about the society that inhabits them. I’m really happy to be able to help better our campus. After all, art has the power to inspire, so why not inspire something great?”

Congratulations to these and all artists. And please watch for details in the future about the installation of these three projects.

— Ellen Cooke