By Emily Dawson, contributing writer

On April 8, West Liberty will hold its sixteenth annual MADfest. The festival will include participants from the University and from high schools in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Attendance is open to everyone, and admission is free.

MADfest is a Media Arts and Design Festival that gives West Liberty students and high school students an opportunity to attend art workshops and to enter their own creative works to compete for prizes. Events are held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will include professional presentations, and a student media arts awards competition and ceremony.

MADfest hosts many different categories to enter pieces in, such as animation, audio documentary, digital imaging, electronic music, graphic design, illustration, mixed media, multimedia, photography, short film, and video documentary. West Liberty students can enter up to four pieces for free.

Megan Sayre, the Secretary of the AIGA/Arts Club on campus, said “it is a big event because creative minds of all ages and backgrounds are brought together to share their talents and experience one of the most exciting days on campus.” Sayre will be both participating and volunteering on the day of the event.

“People should attend because MADfest is an opportunity to view other’s creative works as well as attend workshops that are led by guest artists,” Sayre said. “All majors are welcome, and it is a chance to show off creative talents. Prizes for the contest itself include iPads and scholarship money.”

If you are interested in submitting work, submissions are being received until March 11. More information is available here and anyone interested in volunteering to help with the event can contact Sayre here. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and continental breakfast.