Saint Xavier University students picked up brushes and filled canvases with vivid color during the Art and Design Department’s Paint Jam on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the school’s Visual Arts Center, 10435 S. Spaulding Ave.
The event welcomed all students to pick up a brush and add their creativity to the canvas, with finished pieces set to be showcased later this month at the Beverly Arts Center during the Beverly Art Walk on Saturday, Sept. 27.
A paint jam is any gathering where painting becomes a lively, collaborative, and often fast-paced experience, organizers explained, and through the study of art, one acquires a rich understanding of human nature, values, psychology, aesthetics and history.
The Paint Jam was spearheaded by Department Chair and Art Professor Nathan Peck, who said the event was about fostering connection and creativity while also giving students a chance to contribute to the city’s larger art community.
“This is about building a community here on campus,” Peck said.
Freshman Linda Mendez-Perez, of Romeoville, majoring in game design, said she was eager to join in for the first time.
“I like it a lot and it’s a great way to connect with other art students,” Mendez-Perez said. “I’m looking forward to doing more of these.”
Paint Jams, held once or twice a month, provide a casual, collaborative space for students to design, paint and experiment with new ideas. Thursday’s session was accompanied by music spun by artist, musician and Saint Xavier University lecturer Nat Soti, who served as DJ and kept the energy high with an upbeat playlist.
With canvases now headed for the impressive Beverly Art Walk, students left not only with paint on their hands but also with a stronger sense of connection to one another.
