As part of Associated Student Productions’ October events, ASP hosted a free “Paint & Sip” night at Sonoma State’s Weyden & Brewsters on Oct. 14. Students were given art materials, free drinks, and snacks as they followed a fall themed art demo presented by SSU’s art department.  

The in-person event was reserved for students and divided into two one-hour sessions. The first session started at 6 p.m. and the second started at 8 p.m., with one-hour prep times in between each. Students had to fill out an attendance form prior to the event and provide a green clearance check for COVID-19 safety upon entry. 

SSU Art Studio lecturer, Jenny Braun, partnered with ASP and demonstrated a pumpkin painting lesson for students that attended. Students received individual art canvases with easels and an array of paints, as well as mini demo pictures of the fall portrait for further assistance.

As students painted throughout the night, they were able to choose from an assortment of drinks and desserts including brownies, cookies, lemonade and sparkling water. All the painting seats were taken at both sessions and the event seemed very popular amongst students.  

Maia Madrigal, a third-year Biology major and ASP director, spoke on the success of  “Paint & Sip,” stating that “both of our sessions were full and we even had to turn some students away because we didn’t have room for them. We put on these events for the students so it’s always nice to see our max attendance reached.” 

Madrigal elaborated on why the event was significant for SSU students and ASP, going on to say that “the best part was seeing students making new friends and connections on campus. Part of ASP’s mission is to have students feel at home while creating a close knit community on campus. Seeing students reach out to new people makes me feel like I’m doing my job as an employee of ASP.”

Luis Ferreyra, a fourth-year Sociology major, attended the first session and shared their experience with the event. “I attended so I could hangout with some friends and have an art project piece to take home. I really enjoyed the walk-through of the painting by the art teacher and I was able to meet new people which was really memorable. I enjoyed the experience and I would do it again.”

Ferreyra spoke further on why student involvement on campus is important, saying that “I definitely think students should be involved in campus events, it’s free entertainment and close to home. When I participate in campus events it makes me feel like a regular college student, especially in these unusual times.”

Amanda Avelino, a fourth year biology major, went to the painting session with Ferreyra and gave her perspective. “The event was very relaxing, especially with midterms happening. I feel that it was a good way to let out some stress. The atmosphere was also very calming with everyone just focusing on their paintings and chatting with friends. I thought the event was going to be focused on free style painting, however, it was fun to see everyone express themselves by painting in their own styles.” 

Avelino continued on, stating what was most memorable to her, “It was nice to get to paint with friends and to just enjoy the company. Since I don’t go out much due to Covid, it was refreshing to be out of my room and experience different college events.”

Monica Carnes, a third-year Communications and Media Studies major, went to the second session of the event and commented on how it was organized. “Everything started on time and I feel like everyone had enough time to finish their paintings. The instructor was easy to follow along and we were always able to ask questions or get more paints if we needed.” 

When asked why she attended the event, Carnes said, “I came to this event because I’ve been trying to come to more on-campus events and make the most of the time and resources we have on our campus. I really enjoyed the night and I was able to bond with friends and do something creative, fun, and free.” 

Students can work with ASP and help plan on-campus events through the ASP PALS program. To join or to get more information, email [email protected]. For more information on ASP’s featured on campus October events, go to as.sonoma.edu.