Conceived as an interactive and hands-on art therapy session, Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) ArtJam workshops were conducted during reading week in November last year to afford students a therapeutic break from studying for finals.
Known as Acrylic Pour Painting, the art form technique works well for students with no prior painting skills and can be offered at a beginner level to participants who are new to the medium.
Experienced art enthusiasts were challenged to try out daring colour combinations and support their peers in the creative process. The resulting creative artworks were displayed at the RVRC Dining Hall for a limited duration.
Koo Yi Jia, a second-year College of Design and Engineering undergraduate, reflected on her experience:
“I thought it was a unique and interesting experience! I initially wanted to just stick to colours with similar shades, however I was encouraged to add some contrasting colours which i did eventually. It reminded me of how life is a journey with ups and downs, just like how the bright colours represents the happy memories and dull colours represents the challenges faced.”
The full-day workshop adopted a drop-in policy to encourage students to join in whenever they needed an hour-long break from their study schedule. To make the session relaxing and fun, students were encouraged to attend in the company of their friends.
The ArtJam workshops were well received with 37 students participating across two days. Many have requested for follow-up sessions in subsequent semesters, and a two-day workshop is being planned for the upcoming recess week this semester to help students de-stress before their mid-terms.
Said second-year Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences undergraduate, Justin Wong: “I really loved the atmosphere of the ArtJam session, it was a nice study break. Everybody was having fun and helping each other create beautiful pieces of art. I liked doing acrylic pour - seeing the marbling of the colours and the end product.”
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Sadaf Ansari, Fellow, Ridge View Residential College
