Durham College students got creative on Wednesday with a Valentine’s-themed paint party.
The event, hosted by the Durham College Student Association (DCSA), took place at the Oshawa campus and provided students with canvases, paints and step-by-step guidance from Olivia Morin, an artist based in Oshawa. Participants painted heart-themed designs while enjoying music and refreshments.
Second-year business marketing student Emma Li, said the event was a great way to unwind before midterms.
“I’m not an artist, but it was so fun to just relax and paint with my friends,” she said.
Instructor Olivia Morin said the event offered students a chance to explore their artistic side without pressure.
“I think the participants will be able to try something new that they’ve never tried before in a nice, risk-free environment where they get to fully express themselves without fear of judgment or any worry that they won’t be good enough,” Morin said. “I think it’s a great way for people to start painting that have never painted before.”
The event was designed to encourage creativity and community spirit among students, whether they were celebrating Valentine’s Day with a partner, friends, or solo.
DCSA member Jason Patel, who hosted the paint party, said the event was a good way for students to loosen up.
“We know that this time of year can be stressful, so we wanted to give students a chance to take a break and have fun,” he said. “It’s all about creating a welcoming space for everyone.”
In addition to painting, the event featured a collage station where students could create Valentine’s-themed vision boards and craft personal messages for friends or loved ones.
Sarah Booth, a third-year political science student, joined the event to improve her art skills.
“ My friend sent me the post online from the DCSA Instagram. She said that ‘it would be really fun to go and paint,’ It’s really fun to just kind of relax and just mindlessly paint and like sometimes draw, though I’m not the best artist,” said Booth.
Patel hopes to host more art-themed nights.