Club Features: Have you visited art club yet?

By: Hannah Bonanducci

It’s no secret that Eastern offers a variety of clubs and opportunities for a broad range of interests and skill levels. It’s easy to get lost in the long list of clubs and meetings, and perhaps you’ve lost that list of clubs you were interested in from the club fair day at the beginning of the year. However, one club that’s starting to build new activities is Eastern’s art club, run by co-presidents Bailey Gutelius and Tea Luckenbill. 

“I got involved in art club because I have always seen art as a way to grow and connect with myself,” Gutelius said. “Even through the completely different and confusing phases of my life, art has always been a reliable source of comfort. I have also been taught private lessons for most of my life, so I feel that I have credible knowledge to share on techniques and history!”

“I’ve always been passionate about art, creativity, and non-conformity,” Luckenbill said. “I wanted to provide a place where students can express their creativity and have a place to be themselves.”

The two became co-president this semester and already have some big ideas they want to add to the club.

“Two of the exciting events we are hoping to plan is to include a trip to the art museum as well as a potential art gallery at the end of the year to celebrate the club members and all of their work!” Gutelius said.

“I would love to incorporate monthly themes, like a theme on Lent during March,” Luckenbill said. “I’d also love to end every semester with a Paint and Sip night where we do paintings and have mocktails.”

The club meets every Tuesday in the Gough Great Room from 7-8 PM and welcomes students of all skill levels. The upcoming theme for February will focus on Black History Month. 

“I’ve only had one meeting so far as a president, and even though there were only a handful of people, it was such a pleasure being able to connect and share with everyone in attendance,” Gutelius said.

And if you’re worried about not knowing what to do, don’t let that hold you back! Each session will start with a little history and tutorial for each night, and the point of the club is to simply enjoy making art together.

“Even if you don’t think you have artistic talents, the club’s goals are always to share a safe space and art community for those who want to learn or even those who just want to destress for an hour with friends that they love!” Gutelius said. 

“For anyone considering coming to Art Club, I promise you are more than welcomed!” Luckenbill said. “It is honestly the best way to relieve stress and focus on your mental health.”

So if you have some free time on a Tuesday night, be sure to stop by the Gough Great Room and enjoy making art with friends for fun. And if you have any questions, you can always reach out to the club through their email artsociety@eastern.edu and follow their Instagram page @official_eastern_art_club to stay up to date on events and new members.