On Friday Jan. 20, Students Events and Activities (SEA) hosted an event where students gathered in the Walker Student Center for a painting activity. Inspired by the beloved television host and artist, Bob Ross, students painted followed his painting tutorials.
The atmosphere was relaxed and casual as students set up their brushes and paints. Some students brought their own supplies, while others borrowed materials provided by SEA. The room was filled with the sound of friends having fun and chatting while painting together.
The Bob Ross tutorials provided structure for the activity, but also allowed for creativity and personal expression. Students followed along as Ross demonstrated his techniques for creating landscapes, seascapes and still life paintings. Some students chose to replicate the images on the screen while others added their own personal touches to their canvases.
While the activity provided instruction for painting, the relaxed nature allowed students to relax with their peers. Many students commented on how calming and meditative the process of painting was. Freshman Deily Alpízar considered that “it was a great way to unwind after a long week of classes and responsibilities”. Other students agreed. Sophmore Daniela Gomez said that “the night was a great opportunity for letting JBU students’ creativity flow”. She took the opportunity to paint an original design, just as many other students did. “It was also a great idea for people to relax a little after starting the year, I liked it a lot” she added. The activity also provided an opportunity for friends to bond and spend quality time together.
When SEA members were interviewed about the event, senior Carlos Cifuentes shared his experience on the activity: “We didn’t know what to expect because we had never done a painting night like these before.” He also added, “I was surprised that most people stayed for the whole tutorial!” Cifuentes commented about how this was SEA’S first event of the semester and they just had a few days to promote it. However, they were happy about the outcome.
As the night progressed, the paintings began to take shape and the students were amazed at their own artistic abilities. Sophomore Mackenzie Weiss commented about how cool the experience was for her to paint alongside Ross since she has not “painted in a while, so it was very exciting to try it again.” Students were proud of their creations and many decided to take them home and hang them on their dorm room walls.
The painting activity was a huge success leaving many students eager to repeat the experience. It served as a great reminder that art and creativity can be a source of relaxation and joy amid a busy college life. The Bob Ross tutorials provided a great introduction to painting and the students were excited to continue exploring their artistic side.
Overall, the painting activity was an enjoyable and relaxing way for college students to spend their Friday night. It was an opportunity to learn a new skill, bond with friends and create something beautiful.