Outside Weyden & Brewsters, students waited patiently for the doors to open. Chatter and excitement filled the air. Once the clock struck 6 p.m., everyone eagerly lined up to go inside and attend the Paint & Sip event on Oct. 4.

The Associated Student Productions (ASP) event offered free Panera desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages with all painting supplies included. Wine was available to purchase for students who were 21 or older. Near the door, ASP set up a table filled with informational fliers and some of their team members nearby. Before engaging in activities, students were required to show their student ID. 

Each table consisted of a canvas for each participant and paintbrushes. At the start of the event, attendees glanced around to find a perfect table to paint at. Others went straight toward the paint to search through the range of colors offered. Students gradually settled in with the help and ease of a 2010’s throwback playlist buzzing through the speakers. 

Once settled, the search for inspiration began for the Seawolves in attendance. Students scrolled through their phones for references, using Google and Pinterest as tools to figure out what they wanted to paint. Eventually, many bright colors, fall themes, abstract paintings, and other ideas appeared across numerous canvases. 

The news about Paint & Sip occurring spread through various flyers that were either reposted online or showcased around campus.

Aubrey Webostad a fifth-year at Sonoma State University found out about Paint & Sip through a friend. What immediately intrigued her about the event, in her own words, “There was painting and booze which is a pretty good time.”

Webostad also offered thoughts on what painting can offer for some students, “I think it is pretty therapeutic. It’s very relaxing and calming.” Webostad explained, “You don’t have to think about other stuff and [don’t have to] stress out about midterms.”

Several other students shared the same idea of painting being therapeutic, especially during this time in the semester. Washaka Mahdi, an electrical engineering major, shared her thoughts about painting, “I always think painting is therapeutic. It is helpful, especially with midterms.” Madhi added, “It is the best session to have after an exam.”

Elizabeth Orona, Associated Student Productions event director, gave insight on coming up with the theme for the event, “It was so easy just because it is something that ASP usually puts on and is such a big hit.” Orona continued, “ It is important to keep the tradition of Paint & Sip going.” She also shared what she hopes she students will get out of attending, “I hope they get a good image of ASP in their minds… A school event like Paint & Sip can be fun. It’s not a dorky event that the college puts on.”

Orona noticed that during some events students come alone. She saw the event as an opportunity for everyone to meet new people and make connections. She hopes the success of Paint & Sip will further motivate attendees to want to go to other events in the future.