STAR // Dennae Taylor
Seawolf working on their painting at Paint & Sip in W&B on Feb. 23.
Feeling artistic or in a creative mood? Paint and Sip is one of the events that ASP (Associated Students Productions) hosts once every semester. Students receive all the materials needed to create any artwork for free.Also, Panera was offered during the event while the students painted. Students have the opportunity to express their creativity and make new connections.
Paint and Sip have not always been free paint activities. Ellie Orona, an ASP staff member explained, “Traditionally it’s them following an instructor, but since I have taken charge it’s more of a free for all.”
Orona emphasized, “It’s interesting to see all the different artwork that students come up with because we have super creative students at SSU.” Students don’t have to be artists to come, many are there to have a good time and hang with friends. When asked, fellow seawolf, Kenyana Hughes what she was painting she responded, “I don’t know going with the flow. I’m painting my spirit.”
Students should come to Paint and Sip because it’s a “free paint party,” said Madison Bryant. Bryan also emphasized how she wanted to be here to make new friends. The event gives you all the supplies you need: a canvas, acrylic paint, a water cup, and paint brushes. ASP worker, Curtis Manley, said, “Well it’s not something you usually do every night. It’s completely free too. That’s the best part: you get Panera and all the supplies to paint a picture.” Seawolves should take advantage of this free and fun opportunity.
ASP makes events like Paint and Sip to create a student community and try to get everyone involved. Orona said, “I’ve seen it before when a student comes alone and when they sit next to each other they talk the whole night.”
Many students love to come to Paint and Sip, it’s been one of the popular events. Manley said, “I can see it happening more next year because of how popular it’s been. I think we have had 80 people show up tonight and last semester we had a similar number. The more students we get the better. It’s nice to see almost 100 people come out to this.” Students should watch out for other Paint and Sip events.
“Other seawolves should come just because they can see what ASP is all about. They will see our workers out there doing their thing and also it will attract them to come to other events that we all put on,” said Orona. Paint and Sip is one example of the many fun events that ASP hosts and many more to come. ASP organized events like this to strengthen the student community. Make sure to check out as.sonoma.edu or follow them on Instagram @as_sonoma.