Roses are red, violets are blue, did you go out to paint night or hang out with your boo? Students waited eagerly for the doors of the Fine Arts Building to open on the evening of Valentine’s Day for paint night, compliments of SGU. Conversations were buzzing from ear to ear, “I’m going to be a Michelangelo,” “What if my painting comes out wrong?” “I’m just here for the fun of painting.” When the art room opened, students were given a carbon sheet, and an outline of the schools’ mascot, Fritz holding a balloon heart.
Students were excited to sit as paint brushes, water cups, paint, a canvas and aprons were neatly set up on the table. Fears of not having artistic abilities vanished quickly as the atmosphere in the paint room was relaxing and nostalgic love songs were played. Additionally, students loved how they were given an option to paint the Fritz sketch or make their own work of art.
Painting instructor, Nia, guided the students step by step on how to paint their portraits. She precisely educated students on how to mix colors and outline the portrait. So if you didn’t learn about primary or secondary colors in elementary school, it was no worries at all. For those who still felt a bit of tension that their paintings would not come out as expected, Nia walked around the room and was excited to assist anyone in need.
Nia is the owner of the company called Amped Events, which she started in 2008. One of the aims of this company seeks to venture into various universities and assist students with paintings in a stress -free environment. She expressed that painting is a getaway and an opportunity to dismiss what stresses you and find relaxation in the arts.
Moreover, Nia stated that within this semester alone, she visited various universities such as Columbus State University in Georgia, The University of Miami, (which she has visited three times this semester), Florida International University and The University of South Florida. Nia described these painting classes as “Do It Yourself” because it’s a stress- free activity and she’s just there for guidance. According to Kurt Reso, the author of “How Painting Relieves Stress”states that there is a connection between painting and the reduction of stress levels. Furthermore, painting causes an increase in self – expression and self- confidence and encourages individuals to express their artistic styles.
Miss Cynnique Johnson, a senior Bio- Med major here at St. Leo, described the event as a stress reliever. She expressed that every painting event at St. Leo is always an enjoyable one. Also, appreciated the tranquil atmosphere as she painted along with her friends and sang along to love songs from the 90’s. Most students at the event enjoyed the option of painting other designs or paint the sketch of Fritz the Lion with him holding a heart balloon. Miss Karliya Rahming, a junior Marketing major at St. Leo stated that she loved how Fritz was incorporated into the painting because it depicted school spirit. As it was her first time to a painting event, she said that the music allowed her to destress and focus on her painting which kept her calm while painting and communicating with friends. Miss Kierra Gordon, a junior English major, was stunned at her painting and expressed that each time there’s a painting event, it gets better. She enjoyed how Nia described step by step how to incorporate various colors and give precise outlines to the portrait.
