Unity Talent and Art Show fosters unity through student expression 

The Office of Mentorship and Student Engagement hosted its sixth annual Unity Talent and Art Show prior to the Thanksgiving break, celebrating Augusta University’s vibrant campus community through performances and artwork centered on unity and inclusivity. Students competed in visual art and performing arts categories for first place ($300 scholarship), second place ($150 scholarship), People’s Choice and the Impact Award.   

“The Unity Talent and Art Show celebrates our students and reflects AU’s commitment to inclusivity,” said Tori Johnson, MSE coordinator for co-curricular learning. “This event allows our students to channel their creativity and passion into something meaningful.”  

Mr. and Miss Augusta University — Tyler Guy, a fourth-year undergraduate psychology major, and Puja Punukollu, a fourth-year dual-degree MD-MBA student — co-hosted and provided thoughtful insight on each performance and artwork.  

The judges were Kim Davies, PhD, dean of the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; John Blalock, an undergraduate fourth-year political science major and Student Government Association president; Raysean Ricks, Augusta University alum and communications instructor in Pamplin College; and Laura Austin, director of Graduate Student Engagement and Success in The Graduate School.  

After celebrating each talent, the hosts and judges unveiled the evening’s winners. 

Visual Art category winners

• First place ($300 scholarship) and Impact Award: Amaya Lee-Davis   
• Second place ($150 scholarship) and Impact Award: Sophia Tang   
• People’s choice: Avery Watson   
• Impact Award: Mia Noble and Anita Singh   

Amaya Lee-Davis, an undergraduate second-year cybersecurity major, created a digital piece highlighting diversity across nationalities, cultures and backgrounds. Her goal was to create artwork in which viewers could see themselves and feel a sense of hope. 

“My passion in creative media is something that hits me extremely heavily and then less, I go through bouts of art block where I have not drawn and completed a piece for years,” said Lee-Davis. “Art is a coping mechanism to me throughout my depressive episodes. As someone that feels emotions intensely, it was extremely important for me to include the different facial expressions on every person to show the intricacies of tone, tension and micro expressions, for the audience to wonder, ‘What are they thinking? What is their story? What could they be witnessing that makes them want to make that face? Did the illusionary camera that the art is framed catch them off guard?’”

Performing Art category winners

• First place ($300 scholarship) and Impact Award: D’Quessani Lee   
• Second place ($150 scholarship): AU Sharkara   
• People’s choice: African Student Association (ASA)   

D’Quessani Lee, an undergraduate fourth-year psychology major, performed “I Know Where I’ve Been” from the musical “Hairspray.” The song tells a story of perseverance and the importance of remembering where we come from, reminding listeners that unity and progress are possible when we stand together and that every voice matters.   

“Performing at the Unity Talent and Art Show was more than a competition to me,” she said. “It was a celebration of humanity, creativity and togetherness. My passion for singing is rooted in the belief that music can heal, inspire and unite. This event embodied that truth. To stand on that stage, to share my voice and to be recognized for both artistry and impact reaffirmed my purpose: to keep singing, keep telling stories and keep reminding people that we are stronger when we rise together.”  

The Unity Talent and Art Show included many performances and art submissions that required talent, dedication and hard work. Stay on the lookout for next year’s show, and keep up with Office of Mentorship and Student Engagement’s events through the AU Events Calendar.