A monthly painting event provided for students with time to open up about feelings and the opportunity to show their creativity.
The University of North Alabama’s Office of Student Counseling Services held “Paint and Process” on April 2 on the first floor of Rivers Hall. Paint and Process is held on the first Wednesday of every month. This is a free event for UNA students and all supplies are provided.
During Paint and Process workshops, students are given empty or drawn on canvases to paint on while given the opportunity to talk about anything that could be bothering them. Snacks are also provided.
“Being around people that are kind of going through the same thing is fun,” said Mordecai Myles, a student who attended the event. “It’s not scary like some people think it is, it’s the furthest thing away from scary from doing something like this, but it helps.”
Throughout the event, trained counselors guide students through conversations and offer advice. Other students attending the event are also encouraged to give advice and to support one another.
While speaking up during the event is encouraged, it is not mandatory. “You can just sit there and listen to other people talk or you can chat the entire time if you want to.” said Lee Ballinger, another student attending Paint and Process.
The counselors running the event started off by stating the general rules of Paint and Process, which included confidentiality and general respect.
Attendees said the event helped take their minds off their usual days.
“College is stressful, it can be a fun experience, but most of the time it’s stressful,” said Ballinger. “Especially because we don’t just go through school, life hits you on your tail because it’s a new chapter,”
“It has also been a good way to connect and meet new people,” added Anna Claire Hughes, a student who transferred to UNA in January. “I’m from South Carolina, so sometimes I get bummed out being so far away from home, so it’s nice, you know, to be around people and know that I’m not by myself,” said Hughes.
To wrap up the year, the hosts said the last Paint and Process of Spring 2025 is set to be April 31.
