By CLAIRE TEAGUE

Features Editor

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The communication arts class 376, took getting involved in Meadville this semester to the video production wing. The class, lead by assistant professor of communication arts, Emily Yochim and associate professor of communication arts River Branch, is appropriately titled “Narrating Tool City”  and has spent this semester devoted to uncovering Meadville’s robust production history. The class is presenting their work in documentaries and panels for students and community members to see. Their focus is on the tool and die industry, focusing specifically on Meadville which used to be known as the tool and die capital of the world.

“We’ve spent all semester learning about Meadville and storytelling and community media,” Amy Cuurl, ‘17, said.

Cuurl is a student in the class who’s worked closely with Meadville’s Active Aging to get the older generations perspective on the town. In collaboration with members of the community, the class created panels which highlight some of the information about Meadville that they acquired. Students from the technical school in town are making their own panel in contribution. The students explored the process of documentary film making and have produced five short films illustrating various components of Meadville’s history. An installation presenting the students work will be featured at the Market House Nov. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. with food and drinks. The group hopes their installation will travel to different places in town. Cuurl commented that she got a lot out of the class and was excited to learn of Meadville’s robust history.

“I’ve gotten to know people in town that I might’ve not otherwise known about or ever gotten to know based on this class, but then I also got to know the people that are in my particular class super well, which was really cool because I’m the only freshman in the class. […] The people that I’ve met are incredible. They work so hard and they love Meadville so much.”