By Kaitlynn Zygmont
The LU creativity group offers a place for students to come together and balance mental health through creative activities such as fibre arts, music, poetry, mindfulness, art therapy, writing, gardening and crafts.
The group started meeting this year, under organization by founder Lizette Frappier. The group is recognized through the Students’ General Association, and offers drop-in-sessions Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Voyager café.
The creativity group offers a place for students to express their creativity through artistic outlets while meeting other students in the process.
Some of these activities include playing cards, chess, piano and knitting. The group also offers monthly projects that aim to teach students new skills, such as the ones mentioned above.
Art and mental health services are also incorporated into the groups’ activities by offering pleasurable activities for students who use artistic outlets to balance the stress school, work and personal lives.
“It’s all about taking yourself out of the zone, stop thinking about everything that’s going on, getting yourself rebalanced in peace, harmonized and to recharge,” said Frappier.
The club is hoping to attract first year students who are adjusting to university life. Since change can be stressful the group is a place to de-stress and also to meet new people who enjoy art and creativity.
All materials are provided by the LU creativity group and by donations, which allows students to try and learn new projects. Materials include knitting patterns, wool, clay for sculpting, instructional books, and more.
Students are also welcome to bring their own materials for projects they have already started or want to start.
Frappier said the groups main goal is to have more funding for the arts. She also advocates for more dedicated space for art and mental health through accessibility services.
“Laurentian University should have a dedicated space/studio and resident art therapist on campus to help students as part of the accessibility services.”
If interested in joining or learning more about the LU creativity group, contact Frappier through the group’s Facebook page (LU creativity) or its e-mail, lucreativity@laurentian.ca.
