Art and Film Clubs Share Creativity at SNC

Marcus Wendricks '13 and Joel VanFossen '13 are creating quite a stir in the SNC art community by implementing a new Art Club on campus. They hope to promote collaboration between SNC students who wish to explore their creativity with other students.The process began in November when Wendricks and VanFossen had an "aha!" moment. "We realized that there is no place for creative people on campus to discuss and create together," said the two. There was no art club at SNC, and they felt that this needed to be changed. Over winter break, they received the paper work and wrote the constitution that is currently being approved by the Department of Leadership, Service and Engagement (LSE).

Wendricks shared his goals for the Art Club, saying, "I hope that this will be a group that can learn, grow, discuss and create together. I think it's a great opportunity to meet other peers on campus who are interested in similar things. We want to bring art wherever we can on campus."

Carolyn Paplham '13, member of the Art Club, hopes to spread happiness to the SNC campus with the club's artwork. "I love using art to cheer people up - so I really hope that we're able to spread some joy with our work."

Wendricks sees the club as a way for students to get together and create projects as a group and hopes that these projects can be displayed on campus. He said, "This is an experience that you can't get in the classroom. You are with other students in class but not necessarily working together." Wendricks went on to say, "The process of working with others can help us gain a broader perception and enrichment and gives us a way to display our passion."

Paplham said, "I look forward to having the chance to hang out with fellow art students outside of class and being able to work together on whatever projects our plans may include. I've always had a blast working on collaborative art projects in the past, so I'm really looking forward to doing more of that sort of work."

All SNC students are welcome to join the Art Club. "We sent an e-mail to art majors and minors, as well as graphic design minors, because we thought they would be the primary group that might be interested, but the club is open to everyone." Wendricks encourages input from other students, as he said, "I can only come up with so many ideas. I want the club to take peoples' ideas and do something with them."

The Art Club won't officially be recognized as a group until next fall, but the members are hopeful that they can start this spring so that they can be ready for next year. The first meeting of the Art Club was held March 2 in the upstairs drawing studio. Once the club gets going, they hope to have weekly meetings. For more information, students are encouraged to e-mail Wendricks at marcus.wendricks@snc.edu.

Overall, Wendricks is excited about the club and hopes for great success in the future. "I hope that the club surpasses my expectations." Paplham agreed, hoping that students will take advantage of this new opportunity: "While the college has much to offer in extracurricular activities, at the moment there really isn't anything uniquely for students with an interest in art. I think the club will really fill a niche, adding to the variety of activities that SNC already offers. And, as mentioned before, I'm hoping that others will enjoy whatever projects we pursue."

In addition to the new Art Club, the SNC Film Club is also getting things underway for a new semester. Although it's not a new club on campus, some may have noticed the recent publicity. According to president Chris Connors '10, "The Film Club was started about four or five years ago by a film buff who wanted to create and show films on campus. I took over as president my freshmen year and am now co-president with Camron Jalayerian '10." The Film Club shares similar goals with the Art Club. It is an opportunity for students to get together and share their passion for film. "Our goals for the club are to promote and exhibit student work alongside critically-acclaimed films, with a focus on works of philosophic import," said Connors.

These clubs are ways for SNC students to become involved with other students who have the same passions and interests. These students prove that there are opportunities for anyone who wants to see their interests exhibited on campus.