The Hale Pavilion was filled with loud music, smiling students and colorful art pieces for Paint Therapy Night on June 9, 2021.
Averi Strickenberger, a senior from Colorado studying psychology, said the event was full of support and was a “no-pressure” environment for creativity because there was freedom to create anything in a supportive environment. “I feel like this event helped me to recharge.”
Amidst the chatter, Faith Crabb, a junior from Utah majoring in computer science, said she was impressed by her peers' creativity because she saw another student using their fingers as paintbrushes.
“I was so impressed by how creative everybody was … [and] the kinds of things people could do. It just looked like everybody was having so much fun.”
Sydney Sears, a senior from China studying business management, organized the painting activity as part of the New Student Experience team under the Ho‘okele Department.
She said her goal for this event was to have as many students as possible having fun, relaxing before finals and enjoying their free time with friends and peers. With finals coming up, she said she thought the students needed something more relaxing and grounding, like art.
Megan Ketchum, a senior from California studying accounting, said it was “fun to hear people and to have a party. Everyone was super supportive of everyone. It was nice to see all the support and love going around.”
Surrounded by creativity
As students settled in for their night of painting, many chose to bring their own colors and paint whatever they felt inspired by.
Brax Tapan, a freshman from Manilla, Philippines, studying biochemistry, came to paint therapy night with his own sponges and a toothbrush to create galaxy-themed artwork. He said he was inspired to create the piece because the creation of the universe amazes him.
“I really appreciate the creation of outer space. It amazes me how small we are on this earth. In outer space, I believe there's more people out there, and I believe there's more amazing things out there, and I just can't wait to know, explore and see its beauty.”
Another artist in the crowd, Meira Stanger, a junior from Arizona studying psychology, explained her painting experience sprouted from having a mother who is a professional artist. “I grew up with her always painting in the house or giving me art tips and encouraging my siblings and I to enter art shows, so I would say my art is due to her influence.”
Stanger painted a crashing wave with deep blues and bright whites, inspired by the nature on Oahu.
Tapan also attributed his art skills to his mother, who he said would constantly encourage his siblings and him to draw, paint and create.
He explained, “I grew up in a family where we're not really allowed to play games or watch TV. Our mom encouraged us to do a lot of artwork. … When I entered elementary school, I loved doing art projects, and when I was in high school, I was a part of art clubs where we did big projects in our school like murals and competitions.”
Emphasizing mental health
Sears noted this event was intended to bring the students together in times of high stress to forget about their assignments and take care of themselves.
Sears said, “I feel like many students can get stressed with finals. When I get that way, what helps is spending time with my friends and doing something creative that doesn't require much mental thought or concentration.”
Ketchum acknowledged school can be particularly stressful during finals, so having an event where she can go and relax is critical for her mental health.
She explained being around people and getting to know friends and peers allows her to feel like herself again after enduring the pandemic. She expressed how difficult it has been to not have the opportunity to socialize with new people, so this event helped her reconnect with herself.
Ketchum added, although she loves spending time with her close family and husband, she felt meeting new people would give her a new experience. “I needed someone to talk to beyond my own family because I can talk to my family all the time. … It's nice to have more people around to have fun and talk.”
See more photos from the event, visit the Ke Alaka'i Facebook page here.