El Paso Community College's Valle Verde campus buzzed with artistic fervor at the latest 'Off the Page' Show, held in the AST Building Foyer. The event, a biannual occurrence, represents a melting pot of English, Graphic Design, Music, and Culinary Arts Departments, resulting in an eclectic mix of live readings, eye-catching student artwork, musical and dance performances, and palatable offerings from EPCC's own Culinary Arts students.
The celebration, which was free of charge, welcomed students, faculty, staff, and the wider community to immerse themselves in a cultural experience that appears to stretch student boundaries beyond the confines of the classroom. Featuring prominently before 2020, 'Off the Page' shows are back on the calendar, with organizers committing to two shows annually. According to EPCC News, Yasmin Ramirez, an Associate Professor of English and the event manager, said, “It's transformational for them, from week one to week 15, it's a great celebration of what they have been doing this semester." She voiced considerable pride in her creative writing and English students' performances.
Laicey Tooke, an English major and one of the participating creative writers, told EPCC News, remarking, “It was fun to be able to share what I have been working on all year, and a little nerve racking." Meanwhile, the EPCC Choreography class added a fluid grace to the event, taking part in the dance segment and framing the literary works with movement and poise.
Contributing to the multisensory experience, the Culinary Arts department offered pastries that tantalized guest's taste buds. The English department distributed books for free, many of which sported covers designed by skillful Graphic Design students. Adding a harmony to the event's atmosphere, several music department students performed, bringing their instruments to life in front of an appreciative crowd, as detailed by EPCC News.
