The Expressive Arts Hive at Humber Polytechnic North campus invited staff and students to use painting as a way to express the state of their mental health.
The Jan. 22 event in the LRC Concourse encouraged students to use art to self-express and relax. All students needed was an open mind and a willingness to take part in the creative process, even if they had no experience using a paintbrush.
Isabella Zany, a first-year Accounting Business program student, said the event fostered a sense of community as it gives people a way to express themselves with others similarly expressing themselves.
Paints, canvases, and markers were some of the supplies available for students. Free snacks were also provided at the event and calming soft pop music was playing to foster a creative and friendly environment for the students.
The Expressive Arts Hive event gave many students a chance to take their minds away from the stresses of school.
"It’s important for it to be a judgment-free space because everyone deserves a place to be able to express themselves, and I think the arts is the perfect place to do through that," Zany said.
Many participants showed their appreciation for the opportunity to relax and connect with others through art.
Organizer Daphany Brown said events like the Expressive Arts Hive offer an opportunity to find joy, connection, and self-expression in daily life, just as important to well-being as stress management.
“These kinds of events build deep friendships and help students in meeting new people," she said. "As a way of expression, art encourages interaction and conversation, which helps connections between people with similar interests.
"Students who paint side by side naturally communicate about their artwork, ways, or creative ideas, creating natural and free of anxiety socialization," Brown said.
Humber's Health and Counselling Services provides many workshops, group therapy, and mindfulness exercises for students who were not able to attend the event but are still interested in learning more about creative well-being.
Visit the Peer Wellness Services office on campus or visit Humber's official website for more information about upcoming events.
