By: Keirra Gordon, Contributing Writer
Martin Luther King Jr.’s celebration extended further than his dedicated day on Monday, January 20th. Saint Leo University began celebrating from Friday, January 17th to Friday, January 24th. One of the events hosted was called Peace, Paint, & Vibe. Fine Arts Professor Pamela Decius said, “This event was held to promote community and peace.” The event took place on January 24th, 2020, in the Fine Arts Building on the university campus from 10 AM to 1 PM.
There were two different time slots for students to create an expressive peace project, one at 10:30 AM to 11:20 AM, the other at 12:00 PM to 12:50 PM. Interested painters were advised to sign up via an online link, which allowed staff to prepare for the incoming groups.
On-campus events help create new friendships.
All the material necessary for this quick art project was free. Painters received canvases, an array of colors to paint with, and paintbrushes. There was even a raffle held at the end of each session for a free painting. Everyone wrote their name on a piece of paper and put it in a box. Professor Decius randomly selected two names. These two winners chose one of the four paintings presented on large art easels.
Saint Leo promotes peace during the remembrance of MLK Jr.
The class was instructed by Rachel Hernandez, an adjunct professor in education as well as SLU 101. The art instructor is also known for her involvement in the business, “Painting with a Twist.” The painting of the day was a globe on a starry black sky with diverse people holding hands at the forefront. The word ‘peace’ was written in the world. Students were allowed to customize the painting any way they wanted, whether they chose to use another word to replace ‘peace,’ dressing up their characters differently, or opting out of having characters at all.
This class was the definition of ‘good vibes’. The students and professors conversed about different topics while painting, sharing experiences, and laughs. “I’ve never felt so much like Picasso,” said Jenna Skrelunas, a junior majoring in English Professional Writing. Kristina Sinibaldi, a sophomore majoring in elementary education, described this experience as “amazing.” Peace, Paint & Vibe was the perfect peace-promoting event for such a celebratory week on campus.
Students focused on creating a masterpiece.
The instructor gave students helpful tips.
Blow drying paintings cause them to dry faster.
