By MARLESSA STIVALA

COPY EDITOR

There is no denying that the seemingly endless array of cultural events is one of the prime benefits of living in New York City. From theatrical productions to street fairs, anyone living in “the city that never sleeps” never lacks something to do.

At the same time, however, many of these events cost money, a commodity that college students cannot afford to waste. That is why it is always important to be on the lookout for any student-friendly events that can allow for a fun, cultural experience while still being kind toward one’s wallet. Thus, when I learned over two weeks ago that the Metropolitan Museum of Art was having a special, free event for college students on Oct. 24 in honor of its current Andy Warhol exhibit, I had only one reaction: Count me in.

From this September until Dec. 31, the Met will be displaying a special exhibition entitled “Regarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty Years.”

This exhibit is unique because it not only highlights many of Warhol’s iconic artworks, but also his lasting influence on contemporary art in general.

Seeing such an exhibit is an ideal trip for any day, but last week’s event made the entire experience far more special.

Orchestrated by The College Group at the Met, the event (though the more appropriate word seems to be “party”) was entitled “Warhol’s Factory at the Met.” While the main attraction was, of course, the private viewings of the Warhol exhibit for all college students in attendance, there was so much else to enjoy that night.

The Met’s ground floor and the balcony were lit with candles providing a nostalgic ambience highlighted by classic music from artists like The Beach Boys. Refreshments were also readily available, including candy bowls, mini grilled cheese sandwiches and popcorn (which, in all honesty, was probably the best popcorn I have ever had).

The most fun and interesting aspects of the night definitely came from the fact that the Met encouraged all party guests to dress in 1960s or 1970s attire, using the likes of Marilyn Monroe or Jackie Kennedy as inspiration (or, in my case, a combination of Jackie Kennedy, Edie Sedgwick and Audrey Hepburn à la Breakfast at Tiffany’s). From bright wigs to go-go boots to hippie-esque ensembles, nearly every fashion trend of those two decades was represented and highly enjoyable to see.

I am always up for a good museum exhibit, and the Met is not a venue to disappoint, but being able to attend an event that was nostalgic toward the ’60s and ’70s while simultaneously highlighting such an iconic artist made this event stand out as an especially memorable night.

“It was fun to see the works of not only Warhol, but also the other artists from that era who also contributed to shaping pop and modern art,” Felicia Zhang, GSB ’16, said. “I also loved seeing everyone’s ’60s-wear.”

Sam Joseph, FCRH ’16, also said he had a positive experience while noting some of the exhibit’s key artistic themes.

“[The exhibit] contained a great blend of famous Warhols, modern art and great food,” he said. “My favorite pieces were those that juxtaposed societal norms with images and words that we frown upon to create a powerful message.”

After all, art is all about appreciating that powerful, deeper message, and Andy Warhol was certainly one to want his work not only to speak for itself, but also to reflect who he was as an individual.

As Warhol himself once said, “If you want to know all about Andy Warhol, just look at the surface of my paintings and films and me, and there I am. There’s nothing behind it.”