Gabriella Dickson Staff Writer
On March 3, Manhattan University’s (MU) art club Sanctus Artem hosted a “Mixed Media Art” event, where students could showcase their artistic talents and get creative by drawing, painting, coloring, or cutting various materials to create a collage.
Lucas Haas, a senior environmental studies major and the president of Sanctus Artem, spoke to The Quadrangle about why he chose mixed portrait activities for the event.
“We had some inquiries about doing portraits before from other people,” Haas said. “Whether it’s painting or paper portraits… we were kind of tossing around ideas and then [decided to] include all of it [together in one event].”
Haas has been a member of the club since his freshman year. As a senior preparing to graduate, The Quadrangle asked about his plans to help maintain Sanctus Artem’s momentum.
“We’re going to be having an art show that will be announced soon enough, on April 9,” Haas said. “That’s one way we’re going to be expanding our outreach to people and really show off everyone’s skills on campus… so that [I] could leave the club in good hands with the next e-board.”
Roman Einhorn, a junior psychology major, spoke with The Quadrangle about why he attended Sanctus Artem’s event and how it contributed to his experience at MU.
“I really came because my friend, [Olivia Wagner], asked me to come,” Einhorn said. “She helps run the club as she’s the treasurer. And as for my experience, I’ve been to [a] Sanctus Artem [event] before. It’s always nice to chill, do some drawing and just give your mind a break.”
Einhorn also spoke with The Quadrangle about what he plans to do with his artwork once it is completed.
“I’m really just practicing some designs,” Einhorn said. “I’m supposed to be making a drawing for my friend, and I hope she appreciates it.”
Johlana Tatum (JT), a freshman criminology major, spoke with The Quadrangle about why she chose to attend the Sanctus Artem event and how it has influenced her experience at MU.
“The club is very welcoming and inclusive,” JT said. “It’s honestly very awesome to be in a community like this.”
JT also spoke with The Quadrangle about what she plans to do with her artwork once she finishes it.
“I will probably hang it up in my room,” JT said.
As the event came to a close, Haas also spoke to The Quadrangle about why he believes it is important for students to have spaces on campus where they can freely express their creativity.
“I think when you’re sitting in a classroom all day, and there’s a professor or someone telling you, ‘you have to do this assignment this way, my way,’ it’s nice to have a space to come and relax and let your own creative juices flow,” Haas said. “It’s always super chill, we play chill music, and it’s a chill group of people. It’s really just a nice zen vibe.”
Haas added that events like these allow students to step away from academic pressures and engage with their peers in a more relaxed environment.
“That’s why I feel it’s important to have these safe havens on campus,” Haas said. “It gives people a place where they can unwind and create.”