24 Sep Titans Connect to Their Artistic Sides Through Drop-In Art Workshops
“Art is the stored honey of the human soul”- Theodore Dreiser.
The start of another semester means new academic opportunities and personal growth are at the forefront of CSUF student lives. Getting caught up with daily tasks can be easy, leaving our Titans searching for new ways to relax. ASI’s Drop-In Art Workshops are a perfect opportunity for students to connect with peers and explore their artistic abilities!
A component to CSUF student services, art workshops are a weekly, no-cost service provided through ASI’s resourcing and funding. Hours for the workshops are from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays throughout the fall 2024 academic semester.
Since its implementation at CSUF’s Grand Stair Studio, friendships and new art perspectives have bloomed among our Titan family. “Having this resource at CSUF has been important for me. It has allowed me to express myself while giving me a break from my school schedule,” CSUF second-year student Sophia states.
“Doing these workshops last year was a fun experience and way for me to relax between classes,” CSUF second-year Leilani echoed.
Art workshops prove pivotal in their implementation and progress of benefiting student wellness throughout the CSUF campus. Therefore, the opportunity to get involved in the ASI community and receive relief from their busy schedules is granted to students.
The Art of the Workshop
CSUF students decorate their own DIY hats. Credit: ASICSUF/Flickr
The interactive workshops provide new opportunities for students to connect with instructors and begin or continue their artistic journeys! Whether it’s empty tote bags, yarn, or paint, ASI provides all the art resources needed. Overall, accommodating student access regardless of cost and experience. With activities like bracelet making, knitting lessons, and themed movie painting nights, it’s no wonder these workshops are a huge hit. In the past, themed art sessions during Halloween, Valentines’ Day and Christmas encouraged students to dress up, bring friends, enjoy snacks and take their holiday cheer to TSU.
Feeling more stressed by the day? Art workshops have you covered! From stress balls, lavender sachets and scrapbooking projects, workshop projects are known to provide relief to students facing academic stress while providing a keepsake item for college memories. ASI has been committed to its student wellness initiative since 2022. Drop-in art workshops are one of many ways they contribute to every Titan’s well-being. “Students are relaxed when attending these workshops. We provide an opportunity for students to make mistakes without any expectations,” ASI student art instructor Camila Padilla said.
Being an institution that serves 40,000 students, CSUF inhabits Titans from all cities and walks of life. In 2022, U.S News surveyed that 97% of the CSUF student population lived off campus and commuted. In this, fellow Titans are constantly seeking new ways to connect with their peers during school hours. Martha, first-year CSUF student and general studio art major, attends the workshops in hopes of “meeting people and bridging connections” and finding “an escape from the struggles of school and life.”
How it Works
Titan attendees and student instructor Brooke Ramirez collaborate on individual inspiration for their DIY hats and tote bags. Credit: ASICSUF/Flickr
Megan Duffy, ASI’s Art’s Department supervisor, plans in advance with three wildly talented student instructors on ways to create new and evolving art events. The instructors are knowledgeable in the arts and have the needed skills to instruct classes. The best part? They’re students, just like you!
The highly interactive program aids our instructors in finding ways to appeal to artists of all levels. Its “drop-in” nature means students can pop in anytime between their busy schedules to take a break to make their own plushies, mini jar aquariums, or Ghibli-inspired paintings. “Art is a consistent outlet. Regardless of economic background, we acknowledge the mission of art and insert eco-friendly and functional crafts in our workshops,” Padilla said.
The Workshop Experience
CSUF students connect with other attendees at an art workshop. Credit: ASICSUF/Flickr
Nervous about attending a drop-in art workshop all on your own? I attended the very first art workshop of the semester to provide the in to help make your first visit smooth!
Located at TSU’s Grand Stair Studio, the first drop-in art workshop on September 10 was a lively time for over 20 students in attendance. Students had a welcoming space to connect with peers, draw designs, make new friendships, and enjoy a playlist especially curated for Titans to relax and sing along with.
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Guided by student instructor Brooke Ramirez, the session focused on creating easy to follow DIY hat illustrations while offering students the choice to decorate their own tote bags. The workshop had multiple sessions throughout the day ranging from bouquet making, hat painting, paper crafting, and pom pom charm embellishments.
Students were given the option to decorate a reusable tote bag at ASI’s art workshop on September 10. Credit: ASICSUF/Flickr
“Art, for me, is a way to express what I can’t put into words. It means something different to every person. The way I envision or craft something is entirely different from the other person next to me. I just find that so unique and beautiful. How we are all human and all doing the same craft, but at the same time, we can all come up with our own different ways to express that craft and our artistic sides,” Ramirez said.
From its drop-in and zero cost nature to the variety of mediums explored, ASI’s art workshops are definitely worth your time. With every major and level of art experience welcomed to attend, your journey towards wellness and artistic creativity awaits!