Sometimes the best art starts with something you already own. You can repurpose that old T-shirt or tote bag into something new, giving it a fresh feel with a personal touch. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, Women of Westby (WOW) hosted a fabric painting event at Westby Hall. Students brought their old items that they weren’t ready to part with yet to room 205 to give them a new life with some original designs. 

WOW provided attendees with fabric paint, acrylic paint, and brushes. Those who didn’t have any old items to spare for the event were also provided with mini canvases and pots to showcase their creativity. 

“We like to do a bunch of crafts where people can bring stuff from home, decorate their dorms, stuff that’s inclusive and easy,” said Hailey Cooper, a graphic design and illustration major and vice president of WOW “It’s not just something that’s barred only for art majors; it’s something that everyone can do and have fun.”

Some people got inspiration from the internet for their designs, while some came up with their own ideas. 

“I’m painting Ellie’s from The Last of Us moth tattoo,” said Fabian Chavez, a sophomore advertising major. 

Others painted flowers, patterns, or designs meant to be given as gifts, showing how personal creativity can take countless forms. 

The night highlighted how art can bring people together, regardless of background or experience. Participants bonded with each other over TV, music, and cats, showing that events like this are open to people of all interests. Individuals who had never met before were soon laughing together, bonding over the simple joy of creating something together. 

“We really hope to create a community that’s welcoming, help people make friends, and realize that art is accessible,” said Lillian Lowenhar, a senior studio arts major and president of WOW.

“We know how stressful college can be, and we want to provide a space where people can come, have fun, and make friends.” 

Unlike some clubs that can feel demanding, WOW emphasizes flexibility when it comes to attending club meetings and events. 

“I feel like a lot of clubs can be very rigid in structure, and you have to attend all the time,” said Lowenhar. “We wanted to create an environment where you can show up, have fun, do a craft, bring your homework, meet new people, but at the end of the day, you’re not tied to it.”

As the night went on, participants finished their creations of hand-painted tote bags, old pairs of jeans, and detailed canvases to display in their dorm rooms. Students who didn’t finish their designs were invited to join WOW for their next meeting to finalize them then. 

The event made it clear that WOW doesn’t just stand for creativity, but community. With each brushstroke, students proved that art doesn’t need to be something exclusively for those who call themselves artists. Sometimes, it’s simply about creating a space where everyone belongs. 

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