On Monday, September 19th, The University Program Council hosted Painting on the Plains at the Melton Student Center, bringing together a diverse group of individuals to create Auburn-themed art.
However, painting was far from the only thing that this event involved. From cookies in the shape of Aubie to new friendly connections, Painting on the Plains had it all.
People came to the event for a wide array of reasons.
“It looked like fun, and I had a free night," said Rebecca Williams, freshman in pre-nursing.
Then, others like Andrew Morales, junior in media studies, partook in the festivity because of specific interests.
"I like painting and came to the event last week too, which I thought was pretty cool," Morales said.
Although Williams shared that painting was not particularly a strength of hers, she said painting is pretty fun, and she likes doing it.
Events, such as Painting on the Plains, not only allow students to undertake a hobby but also bring about many other positive outcomes like getting together to do something fun.
"It’s a good way to make friends," Morales said.
Morales' sentiment rings true — there were many conversations held at each of the ballroom’s tables.
Painting on the Plains may, on the surface, seem like an event for the novice, yet it also served as an activity for the higher-level painters. The night’s painting was led by Auburn’s very own Michelle Giddens, renowned art teacher and painter.
Giddens worked the canvas to perfection up on stage while her steps were projected to the ballroom’s audience of students.
The night’s painting prompt was, in fact, a night scene incorporating a sky, tree and moon, which serves as the setting of rolling Toomer’s. Giddens offered tips as she painted, but she allowed each painter to put their own creativity to use when methodically depicting the scene.
The students who attended the painting session believe that it offered many more skills other than artistic ones.
"Painting and crafts definitely bring out patience, even when the art doesn’t turn out great," Morales said.
UPC coordinator and sophomore in rehabilitation and disability studies Isabel David said that Painting on the Plains is “a way for people to come and express themselves without having to be artistic and a way for them to all interact in the same atmosphere without anybody having to one-up each other.”
David also shared what all went into making this event happen from “contacting vendors” to “back and forth communication with Giddens.”
However, David feels that it was a worthwhile effort, especially once she and other UPC members “see the event posted on Instagram and talked about all over campus” because it shows that their hard work is paying off.
Stay tuned for more art-related events hosted by UPC, like War Damn Coffee Jam in October, and a Kindess Day event in November, involving movies and crafts.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Luke Jenkins is a freshman at Auburn, majoring in biomedical science and minoring in Spanish. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
