By Anastasia Merkulova
University of Maryland students are immersing themselves in school spirit by making crafts and contributing to a group art project at the Homecoming Art Hub event in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union’s Studio A this week.
According to the official campus calendar, between Oct. 14 and 17., the events give students the opportunity to make UMD spirit-themed crafts from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. each day.
Wednesday’s craft is turtle-making, and a turtle magnet-making event will take place on Thursday. Additionally, the “Faces of Testudo” project, where students color Testudo drawings to reflect their UMD experience, is offered every day. The final designs will be collaged on a public mural during Friday’s Terp Carnival.
Mikaela Truong, a senior bioengineering major, checked people in and provided help during Tuesday’s pennant painting event. Truong said students can use art to help get their minds off of school and meet people with similar interests.
“Studio A is an art center here on campus,” Truong said. “We’re just a place for people to express themselves.”
Alina Cole, a sophomore elementary education major, said she tries to attend all Studio A events because of the creative environment.
“It’s important just to have everybody come together and help people find people that are like them,” Cole said.
Londan Preston, a graduate student studying public health, said many of her classes are at night, which often prevents her from spending time with other students and immersing herself in UMD spirit.
Preston learned about Homecoming events when her friend invited her to the tote bag painting event on Monday. She also came to Tuesday’s event because she loves doing arts and crafts and said doing crafts that promote school pride makes her feel more connected to UMD.
“I haven’t been going to any of the Homecoming events,” Preston said. “I’ve been here like three years now, so I wanted to take advantage before I graduate in May.”
The Homecoming Art Hub is allowing students and alumni to express their UMD spirit, regardless of their grade or feeling of involvement. The UMD community can continue expressing their school spirit in the upcoming craft events this week and more events hosted by Studio A.
Featured image by Anastasia Merkulova, October 15, 2024.