Gamma Xi Phi

Month: September 2021

  • Theta Chapter Presents the Art of Comedy

    Theta Chapter Presents the Art of Comedy

    DURHAM- The history, method, and inspiration behind crafting jokes served as the topic of an August 14, 2021, panel discussion featuring the work of North Carolina-based comedians Jon Champion and Darian “DWissh” Tedder. SLIPPAGE,  located on the campus of Duke University, served as the location for the event, sponsored by the Theta chapter of Gamma Xi Phi. The Art of Comedy panel discussion served as the chapter’s Renaissance Conversations, one of the national organization’s signature programs. Gamma Xi Phi chapters throughout the organization present panel discussions with artists who are impacting society and culture.

    “In times like this, laughter is crucial to survive and thrive. Theta chapter members wanted to allow members of the community to enjoy an evening as well as understand the process that goes into the art of comedy,” La Toya Hankins, program director of Theta chapter, explained the purpose of the event.

    The show opened with brief performances from Champion and DWissh. Champion is a professional stand-up comedian who blends performing nationally, coordinating shows featuring local comedians, and establishing a non-profit WILLJOKE4FOOD that presents comedy shows to raise money for charity organizations. DWissh, a native of Durham, known as the Carolina King of Comedy, has performed throughout the Triangle, including serving as the host for several years of Durham’s Juneteenth event.

    Champion and DWissh shared with the audience their thoughts about the impact comedy legends and North Carolina natives Moms Mabley and Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham had on the art of comedy. The two also discussed the necessity of navigating telling jokes that toe the line of being appropriate and how important it is to recover when a joke doesn’t go well. The duo’s comments came during a panel discussion facilitated by Jordyne Blaise, GXP Nominating Committee Chair and Theta chapter member.

    Gamma Xi Phi was founded on October 7, 2010, on the campus of Ramapo College. The purpose of the organization is to honor the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice, and service. Theta Chapter was charted on October 11, 2020, to serve the Research Triangle area.

  • World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 – How Art Can Heal

    World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 – How Art Can Heal

    Content Warning:  This event discusses suicide and depression.

    On Saturday, August 28th, 2021, the Iota Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists, hosted their second program, How Art Can Heal. The keynote speaker was Hunter Irby, program director and charter member of the Iota chapter, serving Montgomery and Southeast Alabama.

    Part of the fraternity’s Check On Me mental health initiative, How Art Can Heal highlighted one member’s journey toward healing. This event was one of raw emotion and vulnerability, focusing on how any art can help one through the difficulties that life may bring. It also stressed the importance of knowing that one is not alone in their sadness and discussed ways to help increase mental wellness and stability through artistic means.

    Hunter discussed how art impacted his growth and led him to the current period of stability in his life. Detailing his struggle with intrusive thoughts, work-life balances, and loss of close family, he expressed how working with his craft and diving into other forms of art helped see him through.

    As event participants were invited to speak about how they cope with their own bouts of sadness, Hunter broke down how all people are connected through struggle and have used the arts for assistance. He further stressed the importance of getting professional help if possible.

    Hunter Irby is a recent alumnus of Troy University, earning his bachelor’s degree in graphic design with a minor in global business marketing. Throughout his time at Troy, he won the Silver Addy and Mosaic Award from the AAF, wrote and published Positive Shift, and created design work for different organizations and departments.

    Gamma Xi Phi is a multi-disciplinary fraternity for artists of all genres and crafts.  It was established in 2010 at Ramapo College in New Jersey and expanded to Alabama in 2020.