By Cameron Crossett
Painted rocks, colorful beads and the scent of warm tea filled the rooms of the University of Maryland Health Center as students gathered last Friday for an afternoon of creativity.
The Crafternoon event – hosted by the UMD Health Center and Mental Health Coalition – wrapped up a busy Mental Health Awareness Week on campus and provided a space for students to gather and explore mental wellness through hands-on activities such as coloring, rock painting, bracelet making and planting
“We listen to feedback from other students across campus and we take all of that feedback together that’s going to help us explore and engage with topics around mental health in new creative ways,” Sarah Wilson, a mental wellness and stress management coordinator with the University Health Center and event organizer, said.
Wilson said the connection between emotional and intellectual well-being highlights how artistic activities can aid stress management and encourage social interaction.
“At the University Health Center, we use an eight-dimension model of wellness. This model suggests that all sorts of different aspects of wellness come together to create a complete picture of health,” Wilson said. “Crafternoon supports intellectual wellness by encouraging curiosity, engagement, and lifelong learning through creativity.”
Attendees of the event were given coloring pages of iconic landmarks from around campus, illustrated by UMD students.
Wilson emphasized that coloring has long been considered a tool for supporting stress management.
“My goal is to provide a space where students can create without any pressure,” said Olivia Mays, a mental health and stress management coordinator for UMD’s health center. “We have different options for what students can design and create on their own, so I hope when they come into the space, they feel welcomed and curious enough to try different art methods and explore how creative expression can support their mental health.”
Attendees engaged in bead making and coloring activities designed to promote calm and creativity. A color psychology chart was also on display, offering insight into the emotional meaning behind the 12 commonly used colors.
Attendees engaged in bead making and coloring activities designed to promote calm and creativity. A color psychology chart was also on display, offering insight into the emotional meaning behind the 12 commonly used colors.
Participants also painted rocks and participated in activities connected to mindfulness and meditation.
“Stones can be used as grounding tools for meditation and mindfulness,” said Mays, highlighting how the tactile creative process can help reduce overstimulation and support relaxation.
The event also offered a comfortable and welcoming environment where attendees could crochet, read and enjoy warm tea together. Designed for relaxation and meaningful conversation, it fostered a sense of calm and social connection.
Grace Pavalko, a senior psychology major working the event, emphasized the mental health benefits of such creative outlets.
“Having an outlet for creativity gives your brain a break from screens and other highly stimulating activities, allowing it to relax,” Pavalko said.
Featured Image: Screenshot of Crafternoon flyer via University of Maryland website.