On April 25, Washburn hosted its first annual Survivor Art Night that took place in the art lab of the Mulvane Art Museum on Friday from 5-6:30 p.m.
SAAM is an annual event that provides a platform for victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence to create their own individual watercolor art piece that embodies their resilience and healing.
“Art tells a story, whether it’s the story that you want to be true, or a story about your past or your hopes, dreams and fears and self-expression is a big part in healing from experiencing sexual violence,” said Molly Steffes-Herman, campus advocate.
Attendees started from basic techniques of watercolor that reflect their own personal trauma, feelings or a deep, free-flowing life journey. Some of the techniques they applied without special materials were wet on wet, wet on dry, flat wash, gradient and variegated wash. There were some brushes, paper towels, wax crayons and some other materials like salt and rubbing alcohol.
“I would say that it made me more open-minded about the different activities and finding a community where you can share your voice is very freeing for most people,” said Layla Buttel, senior majoring in art education and art history.
The workshop gave access for exploring techniques like wet-on-wet for soft blends, wet-on-dry for sharper lines, and flat washes for smooth backgrounds using different brushes, metallics, fan and flat brushes, vegan paint tubes and even invisible crayon techniques.
“I really have triggers and use unhealthy coping mechanisms, so art became something for me to do in a positive manner. It brings awareness built up inside your mind and you put it out on display,” said Destiny Munoz, junior integrated studies major.
Overall, the event allowed students to demonstrate each technique, explaining how to create different effects such as harsh colors, controlled spaces and blended colors. They also had foods like pizza and popcorn and everyone made different art with paint, symbolizing their trauma.
Edited by Morgan Albrecht and Stuti Khadka.
