Written by: Emma Boughman
Art Club was dormant for two years before 2021, but it is now very active, according to the club president, Jeremy Ramirez, junior character animation major.
Art Club sponsor Giselle Hasel says that this year’s Art Club leaders have made her job very easy as a sponsor. The club’s most recent event was its art cafe, and members have a special vespers service coming up soon. Since clubs are student-run, their activities depend on students’ time and dedication.
In messaging with the Accent, Ramirez stated that he was vice president of the club last year, and to his knowledge, no one else was interested in continuing leadership, so Ramirez and his friends decided to continue it this year.
“The reason I wanted to be involved [was] because I wanted a space where students can just express themselves,” Ramirez stated.
The four other leaders of the club include vice president Rileigh Juba, junior character animation major; treasurer Ella Kim, sophomore effects animation major; secretary Evan Eslava, sophomore character animation major; and graphic designer Danielle Taylor, junior graphic design major. Hasel said these leaders have been especially active in the food preparation and worship aspects of events.
She said the combination of art and worship within this club has been the best that she has been involved in.
“Working with students always depends on each group,” Hasel said. “It is always a pleasure to work with those who are more enthusiastic and organized.”
Ramirez’s favorite part about planning events is seeing them take place and seeing people enjoy what the officers have planned. Kim said to plan for events, the officers meet once at the beginning of the semester and then again closer to the time events will take place.
Recently, the club hosted an art cafe, at which members were seated by a host, handed a menu and then served their orders, all while creating art at their table.
So far, the club’s events have been successful, according to Ramirez. He believes it is important for Art Club to continue, not only because it is an inclusive place for all Southern students, but also sets itself apart from other campus clubs because it has a small leadership group, making events more intentional, personal and engaging.
Next, the Art Club is planning a more spiritual event — the School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) Vespers on April 26, where the club plans to create a smaller and more personal Vespers setting.
“My goal as the leader for this service is to provide a space where you feel seen. If you are homesick and want a more intimate Vespers service, this service is for you,” Ramirez stated.
“I’ve genuinely really been enjoying getting to be a bigger help to the Art Club this year,” said Kim. Last year, she volunteered in the club so the shift to an officer role didn’t feel very different for her.
Ramirez stated that because he will be studying abroad next year, he plans to pass the torch to Kim and Eslava. Kim said she is excited to be leading with Eslava in the future but is sad that it has to be because her junior and senior officers will be gone.
Art Club is free and open to students of all majors. Ramirez encourages its 130 current members to bring friends to their events. According to Kim, her favorite part of being an officer is seeing members bring new people to events.
Due to the busy schedule art majors have, this club is event-based. Ramirez stated that the club stays active by hosting fundraisers and student life events, as well as doing community service. He expressed that the Art Club’s biggest challenge is that many people do not know about it. Students interested in future club events or membership can follow the Art Club’s Instagram account: @sau.artclub.
