Rows of canvases, palettes splashed with color filled the room, and a DJ took center stage to play a mixed selection of R&B music for paint night entertainment. CSU Stanislaus Art Department & Associated Students, Inc. hosted the R&B Paint Night event filled with music, food, and friends who gathered Thursday evening in the University Student Center.
Mirabel Wigon, Professor of Painting in the Art Department, has a deep understanding of color and a passion for sharing it with others.
“You’re going to be informed about the relationship between music and color,” she said.
“Feel free to make a correlation between the sounds that you hear and shapes… and then make that composition happen on your canvas,” added Wigon.
Students searched to find their canvases while ASI members went around ensuring participants had plenty of paint and supplies and offering snacks to all their guests. Handouts were provided with useful tips to follow along with, including a color wheel for visual reference.
Katelyn Hawthorne (senior, Creative Media) was attending her first R&B Paint Night.
“I have very limited experience when it comes to painting- I’m much more accustomed to digital art, but it’s always fun to branch out and try something new!” Hawthorne said.
The relaxed and casual atmosphere, according to Hawthorne, is what she enjoyed most.
“The laid-back nature made everything feel so much more welcoming and low pressure- it was a great way to de-stress,” she said.
Participants were encouraged to allow the music to influence their art while Wigon casually strolled the around the room to give support and feedback.
Wigon was contacted by ASI to co-host the event, and took up their offer happily.
“This was a great opportunity to share a little more about my love, which is not just art in general but specifically color…because there is such a history relationship between music and color relationship,” she said.
It’s not just about creating an image that’s superfluous, according to Wigon. It’s actually deeper, more sensual, with more motive as a way to translate a sensory experience into a visual format.
For additional information regarding ASI collaborations and events contact (209) 667-3833 or email [email protected] located in the University Student Center.
