On Saturday, the sound of laughter and glasses clinking could be heard echoing from the JayLounge in the Baugher Student Center (BSC). From 6 p.m to 11 p.m., the Office of Student Activities (OSA) hosted a Paint n’ Sip night sponsored by Conrad’s Corner, Elizabethtown College’s mobile bar. The event was hosted not only to foster community amongst new, returning and commuter students, but to spread awareness of Conrad’s Corner.
“It is our way to promote safe drinking on campus,” assistant Director of Student Activities Brooke Hollinger said. “If Conrad’s Corner is present, those over 21 are able to get one free alcoholic beverage an hour. This way, we can show responsible drinking is achievable.”
For the event, students could sign up for one of two times to paint: one alongside an instructor and one without. The spirit of Bob Ross was tangibly present in the Jay’s Lounge that night as students gathered together to enjoy a responsible drink and let their creative intuition run free. The subject of the night was a fashionable stone wall outfitted with a wrought iron gate, backgrounded by an autumn tree bursting with color. The students were ecstatic, immersed in the chance to prove their skill or simply have a good time.
For first-year Jess, the Paint n’ Sip night was certainly an event that could not be missed.
“I saw the really big poster by the marketplace one day,nd I love art, so I convinced my friends to join me,” she said.
The table before students was something like a makeshift studio to the passing eye, filled with paint splotches and palettes and brushes put to use by self-proclaimed artists and amateurs alike. As the instructor began to explain the next technique, the room fell into a respectful hush of focused eyes and knitted brows.
First-years were not the only class in attendance. Many of those present were returning students looking to spend quality time painting with some friends on a Saturday night.
“I like going to this event because I can paint with an instructor while adding my own touch,” junior Percy said.. Along the stone wall, Percy added a myriad of cats lounging about, a creative addition.
“My friend Nick invited me to go, and I was able to meet his friends too,” he said.
ThePaint n’ Sip was a success in bringing students together and endorsing responsible drinking. For junior and OSA staff member Avery Burke, hosting the event is a task that gives back.
“We love watching everyone mingle, socialize and paint. It’s set up in a way that makes it easy to talk to others outside of your friend group and to have a drink if you are of age,” Burke commented at the snack bar. “We see a lot of cool paintings, too.”
Aside from finding the next Picasso, the staff outfitted the Jay Lounge with a snack table, a non-alcoholic beverage table, and of course, some alcoholic drinks, all adorned with autumnal lights and quiet music. The Paint n’ Sip was a warm spot on campus on a weekend just before the incoming autumn. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next event — community at Elizabethtown College is only a brush away.
