While everyone needs a creative outlet to relieve stress, a great way to explore new possibilities in the art world is by joining SSU’s Club of Artistry. Riley Galloway, a talented local artist and art major, decided to establish a new club at Shawnee State University, where she would create what she describes as a “stress-free inclusive space for all that allows creative freedom and opportunities to expand one’s artistic knowledge.”
The club meets every other Wednesday in the Vern Riffe Center at 6:30 p.m. The room they use depends on the type of event or activity they have planned, so this is always subject to change.
Galloway says that she was inspired to create this club when she came to SSU, as she feels it is important to create a fun opportunity for other students.
In joining this club, members will be responsible for holding events with visiting artists, where they will be able to learn from and get advice from experienced artists. They also do a lot of community service events, such as painting picnic tables for donations towards adults with disabilities, or even helping out at the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing event to attend, the art club hosts collaborative workshop nights where students bring in their own art piece to work on or even come in for a relaxing environment to complete homework. They also work together to create projects such as birdseed hangers, clay figurines and more.
Galloway said that anyone is invited and encouraged to join the club. She has found that a lot of students believe that you have to be an art major to join the club, but that is far from the truth, as most of their members are actually medical or business students. Galloway strives to include absolutely anyone interested in joining, regardless of major or artistic skill level. Galloway said that “we find it helps stress levels and validates students, so that they can create art outside of school.”
For potential members who are nervous and thinking about starting an art career, Galloway advised that “everyone is just as nervous as each other when trying something new. There’s a false stereotype that anyone who goes into an art career won’t be making any money and that it is an impossible dream. However, you have to be willing to work extremely hard and do everything you can to make it happen. Like in life, nothing comes easy or is handed over to you. Other people notice good work ethic.”
If you are interested in joining SSU’s Club of Artistry, or if you want to know more, you can email the club’s leader Riley Galloway at [email protected]. Galloway invites everyone to follow what the club is up to on Instagram @ssuartclub, as she says that “art club is a great way to be introduced to new ways of creating.”
