By: T’Neil Gooden
With finals quickly approaching, Brooklyn College (BC) students were greeted with an event to calm their nerves. The BC Classical Society held a vase painting event for BC students to relax before finals on May 5.
“Especially during times of final papers and exams, having this event allows for students to unwind and give themselves a few hours of fun and creativity!” said Khadija Fall, Vice President of BC’s Classical Society. “It introduces students to Classics and Classical Studies in a fun way that also gives them a little piece of the club to leave with!“
Students had a plethora of options for painting their vases; they could even paint more than one if they wanted to.
“I love seeing how everyone’s creative side comes out! Whether they use some of the inspiration we provide or not, everyone’s vases always turn out so unique and gorgeous!” said Fall. “The way students interpret and decide to use the blank vases to create little masterpieces is always so fun to see every semester.”
Emma Bodzin, President of the BC Classical Society, followed Fall’s statement, “My favorite part was greeting people to the event! It was great seeing familiar faces and to know that this event consistently has attendees who are excited to paint a vase,” she said.
Students also had the opportunity to share their vase-painting experience.
“My favorite thing about the event was how calm and relaxed it was; it offered my friend and me the opportunity to take a break from our busy schedules and do a fun activity together!” said Jasmine Alleyne, a sophomore at BC.
Students were greeted with information about Ancient Greek Vases and how it was used in those times, along with the different painted designs that were used during that time for some inspiration.
“Pottery is a very important part of the discovered archaeological history of ancient Greece. There were so many types of vases meant for different purposes, events, and activities, which were all so intricately decorated and made. Ancient Greek vases also represent the evolution of the culture in the society; it’s so interesting the many aspects of ancient Greece that are reflected in these ceramic pieces,” said Fall.
“While we encourage students to paint whatever they’d like on their vases, we also provide a little history and some inspiration for vases to give students an introduction into the versatility of these vases, and of their creativity and ability!” she continued.
E-board members host this event annually; as such, students always have something to look forward to at the end of their Spring semesters.
“While we always choose vases to paint each semester, sometimes little things like the shape or size of the vase change. It helps keep the same theme of the event, but also gives it something slightly new and different,” Fall said.
Attendees get to use this time to not only relax but also to express their thoughts and feelings through the designs on their vases.
“It’s always fun giving students a creative outlet to enjoy and express themselves. Even students who claim they “aren’t artists” end up leaving with such beautiful and unique vases! It can give students the ability to creatively tell a story in a very interesting medium,” said Fall.
Students also got to weigh in on how events like these create a community on BC’s campus.
“I think this event gave students a calm space to unwind and to do a fun, creative activity in a welcoming space on campus. I think events like these are especially important during those stressful weeks before finals and the end of the semester,” Alleyne said.
This event not only helps BC students but also puts BC Classical on their radar.
“The event brings exposure to the Classics department. Since the Classics department is so small, it can be difficult to share the importance. This event relates the BC students’ body to an ancient tradition from Ancient Greece and the Classics,” Bodzin said.
Alleyne followed this message: “Events like these offer students a free and accessible opportunity to explore new hobbies and activities, step out of their comfort zones, and meet new organizations on campus. It’s a part of our campus culture that makes Brooklyn College so great.”
Club leaders also wanted to remind students that it is okay to be expressive and share their knowledge through art.
Fall shared, “It’s always a fun time and a way for students to get to know us, each other, and themselves! Our e-board always goes above and beyond to make the Classical Society a space for students of all majors and departments to be able to come together and engage in fun and informative activities, and vase painting is no different.”
For more about BC Classical Society’s upcoming events, visit their Instagram @bc_classicalsociety.