Mask Design Winner Inspired by Butterflies and Change

As students remained in their rooms late last month they were encouraged to draw and enter a contest for a chance to have their design printed on a personal face mask. Colored pencils and contest sheets were available to students at check-in tables during move in. Casdagli ’23, a potential creative writing and studio art major, saw the opportunity as a way to express change.   

“My inspiration for my mask design stemmed from the quote: ‘Be the change you want to see in the world,’ [by Mahatma Gandhi],” says Casdagli. “I emphasized this by making the focus of the image butterfly wings because, to me, butterflies symbolize change and growth. It's a really tough time for our country right now, but I hope we can see some growth coming out of it, and what better medium to talk about those hopes than a mask?”

Casdagli was among 17 students who submitted designs to the Student Union, sponsor of the contest. Entries ranged from detailed panels on a single mask to colorful characters and nods to Oberlin Athletics. RemObie committee members voted on the winner. 

“While not surprised, we were  blown away by the artistry and creativity of our students,” says Tina Zwegat, director of Orientation and student activities. “Obies are inherently creative and it was fun to see the variety of designs.”

RemObies and the Student Union continue to work with students to come up with new and exciting activities while keeping physically distanced, says Zwegat. Upcoming events include live-streamed student performances from the Cat in the Cream and the 'Sco, backyard games, and walk-in movie nights at the football stadium.

“We are open for students to propose programs to share their talents,” says Zwegat. “This is not limited to music, it can be dramatic readings, slam poetry, dance, and others.

“While COVID-19 has certainly presented challenges in the student activities world and beyond, we see opportunities for working with students and with other departments to be creative. Watch for details in the daily Digest.”

See all entries from the mask design contest on Oberlin’s Flickr page.