Laughter and acrylics filled the cafeteria of the University of New Mexico Student Union Building on Friday, Nov. 14, as students unwound and expressed themselves with free art supplies and full creative license.
During “Paint Night,” students received a free canvas, brushes and paint to fuel their imagination. The evening also featured a raffle for four prizes: a $50 Amazon gift card, another $50 gift card to “Art Attack,” a local business where people paint their own ceramic art, a pair of Beats headphones, and a 200-piece art supply kit.
One student and attendee, Aaliyah Zamora, painted a planet against a blue and pink pastel background of fluffy clouds and white stars. She said this is the second “Paint Night” she attended, and heard about it through the SUB’s Instagram page.
“This is my second year here doing it, so it’s always so fun. Plus, a free canvas for free — I’m down,” Zamora said.
Her favorite part of the evening was spending time relaxing and chatting with her friends, Zamora said.
“It’s just nice, chit-chatting with them, gossiping, you know, all the fun stuff,” Zamora said.
“Paint Night” is hosted by SUB Programming, which also hosts “Late Night Breakfast” at the end of each semester. The next “Late Night Breakfast” will be hosted on Dec. 7.
Alex Wright, the student engagement manager for SUB programming, said this is the second year in a row the event was hosted, with turnout and enthusiasm consistently high.
“I think we find that painting is a great way for students to let loose and relax, recharge and get back to school — just have that creative freedom and that ability to relax,” Wright said.
In addition to student painters, the event also hosted Student Health and Counseling volunteers, passing out painting inspiration and tutorials, as well as mental health tips.
“We’re really close friends with SHAC. They’re an amazing UNM partner that we have the honor of being able to collaborate with,” Wright said. “With ‘Paint Night,’ and with our goal of having a space for the students to relax, that’s the perfect way for SHAC to also get in there and work on student wellness and give them tips and tricks about how to relieve stress from being a student.”
Another student and attendee, Naomi Castaneda, painted a decorated Christmas tree in a winter forest. She said she attended the event to relax with her friends and engage her creative side.
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“I paint more at home usually, but I’m not from Albuquerque, so I didn’t get to bring my whole paint stuff. It’s nice to have things available and chill with the homies. Something like that isn’t studying, that’s purely just for fun,” Castaneda said.
Addison Fulton is the culture editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
