By Quentin Revillard / Staff Writer

Student Affairs and the Art Club hosted a Sip and Paint event Tuesday evening in the Malcolm Center Bacon Room, offering students a chance to relax during midterm week.

The event featured painting, music and mocktails, giving students an outlet to step away from academic pressure. Attendees gathered around tables to create artwork while socializing, with some following guidance from Art Club members and others creating their own designs.

Tiffany Bergman, associate professor of history at Missouri Valley College, was surprised by the turnout at the event.

 “Most of the events I get to go to have 10 to 15 students, but this one had four tables in the Bacon Room full,” she said.

James Rowlett, director of student activities, said more than 60 students attended.

“There were over 60 students as we had prepared 56 canvases and had to bring more,” Rowlett said.

The Art Club, led by president Juliana Blackburn, partnered with Student Affairs to host the event. Rowlett said the collaboration allows the organization to take a leading role in the painting portion.

“I like collabing with the Art Club and letting them take the lead during the painting portion of the event,” Rowlett said.

Mocktails were also part of the experience, with a variety of colorful drinks available.

“They had one that was pink, one that was blue and one that was orange,” Bergman said. “They were these little mixtures and they had glitter powder in them.”

Rowlett said the partnership also helps introduce the Art Club to more students.

“It exposes them to different students, to students who are potentially now wanting to be part of the Art Club,” Rowlett said.