Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1531607
WINTER / SPRING 2025 11 first take Lighting up the Grand Staircase Gallery Artist Kaitlin Robinson's work glows from within By Mae Folsom Jacobson When Kaitlin Robinson's legs stopped working, her creative mind went into overdrive. A lifelong artist and designer, Robinson was diagnosed with multi- ple sclerosis. at put a sudden stop to her regular nature walks, where she gathered inspiration for her work. Still, she had a deep-seeded need to express herself. "I wanted to paint the things I couldn't do every day, so I could have a reminder that it was possible for me to get back out there," Robinson says. "I might experience memory loss, so I want to illustrate everything." e results of her efforts are painted landscapes backlit with LED lights that shine through meticulously carved por- tions of each scene. Robinson happened upon this technique purely by accident. "I was scarring the wood of a panel and busted through to the other side," she says. "e natural light that shone through created so much texture and extreme contrast that I loved." Now Robinson carves her pieces with intention, but an original rawness and sculptural quality remains. Light shines gently through waves, reflects off cliffsides, and illuminates the moon at its fullest. She first scores her panels and then paints a scene atop the tex- tured wood, lending physical depth and surreal color saturation. She's titled the series "Ordinary Mo- ments," but the sentiment behind the work is profound and personal. "When you don't get to experience sunsets and walking your dogs, you sit and think about it all the time," she says. "I want people to have appreciation for those forgotten moments when they see my paintings." Take a stroll through the Grand Staircase Gallery and enjoy Robinson's "Ordinary Moments" from February to April. —Artist Kaitlin Robinson also produces hy- per-realistic custom pet paintings, tiny hats, and coloring books, and hosts paint and sip events. Learn more at kaitscalling.com. "Sunset Bay" is part of Kaitlin Robinson's "Ordinary Moments" series scheduled for display in the Grand Staircase Gallery starting in February. grand staircase artist Black tie and boxing College bouts take over the 8th Floor gym Top boxers from colleges around the country will once again be at the WAC for two fight nights. e 27th annual Main Event takes place Friday–Saturday, January 31–February 1. is black-tie affair was nearly sold out as of press time. e evenings begin with comedy and dinner in the Crystal Ballroom followed by boxing in the 8th Floor gym. Final bout cards will be announced just before the fights. Each year, we trans- form the gym into a regulation boxing arena, complete with ring, lights, and an announcer. Comedians Tom Cotter and Rodney Laney will deliver the pre-boxing laughs. Contact Athletic Programs Manager Darin Barr at dbarr@wac.net to inquire about last-minute ticket availability.