Students tap into their artsy sides during Art Palooza
A clothesline of brightly colored t-shirts sagged as students clipped more on to dry. The distinct smell of vinegar hung in the air, not even fazing the crowd gathered.On Friday, May 2, the Art Students League put on “Art Palooza,” held on the Campus Center lawn. The event, which included tie dying t-shirts for free, pottery painting, snacks, live DJ’ing from WIUV and a raffle, was scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Because of cold weather and the dwindling supply of t-shirts, the event was cut short, but that didn’t stop students from having fun.
“We want to boost up the art moral on campus,” said Jamis Lott, a member of the ASL.
The event was also an attempt to make a little money for the club, as well as interest new members in joining. Currently the Art Students League is made up of ten or more members who meet once a month during N-period.
The club’s purpose is to help out with any art projects on campus that they are asked to create. This year the ASL worked most of the year on ideas of what to do for a mural that was supposed to be painted in the Spartan Room.
Claire Benjamin, the club president, thinks Art Palooza was rather successful. The ASL only decided to do it again because of its success last time around.
“Hey this is a club, we can do fun things too,” said Benjamin, who is graduating this year.
Tie dying was the hit of the entire event, as a crowd of students gathered around buckets full of dye. The shirts ran out quickly, so some students came up with their own solution-bringing their own.
“I think it’s (Art Palooza) cool because a lot of kids that aren’t interested in art see it going on and they are like ‘Hey art isn’t scary!'” said freshman Kailie Courtney, who brought three of her own shirts to dye.
“Everyone is different, just like every tie dye shirt is different!” said freshman Molly Brown, hanging her shirt up to dry.
Four members of the ASL won the raffle prizes, including Benjamin the president. All the prizes were art related, and the members were quite pleased with them.
Next year there are high hopes for Art Palooza, and the Art Students League. Member Kyle LaPine spurts off some ideas such as a cook out mixed with Apple Fest with more art options, of course.
“The arts program is just as important as any other major in this school,” LaPine said. “The options are endless.