Written by Emma McDarris // Photo by Edgar Cardiel
A group of students banded together over their shared passion and created a space for them to have a community and opportunities to grow in their skills.
Studio 1924 is a student-led art organization that began in the fall semester and encourages students to have a community of creative expression and participate in trips and workshops that sharpen their artistic skills.
Creative director Kit Moore, a junior, helped shape the club and organizes events for the club members to participate in.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for students to connect with one another and to encourage creativity in all forms,” Moore said. “While we meet in the Stevens art building, membership is open to anyone on campus. If you love to do coloring books in nursing class, or if you whittle while listening to your engineering lectures, this club is made for you.”
Moore’s involvement in the group has given her an outlet that she said she has used as a form of gratitude.
“For me personally, I see this as a chance to give back to a group of people who have given me so much,” Moore said. “I gotta brag on the people in Studio 1924; they are the best, and I want to give them the best.”
Faculty sponsor Enrique Colón said he wants to foster a space of collaboration and learning from one another.
“I dream of creating a space for students from different programs to connect and collaborate on self-driven projects that allow them to try new things, master what they are learning and glorify the Lord with their talents,” Colón said.
Vice creative director senior Lila “Blue” Billingsly said establishing a new club and getting it off the ground was a rewarding but difficult experience.
“It’s exciting to be a part of something new,” Billingsly said. “I’ve found it difficult, at times, to build community in the Art Department’s little corner of campus; this club has opened doors to meeting and fostering a community of Christlike creatives. There are so many people with ideas they want to realize, and it’s been a joy to learn about and encourage those ideas.”
Studio 1924 offers monthly meetings that all students are invited to attend to enjoy art and community together.
“We engage in a range of activities,” Billingsly said. “Some evenings are spent playing games or watching movies; other times we’re participating in the spring/fall markets and going on museum field trips. More often than not, we’re snacking and making art together. It’s a laid-back environment, but we also provide opportunities for internships and revenue through our Etsy and Redbubble shops.”
The group’s Instagram account, @hustudio1924, updates members on events and meetings, and the leadership team only plans to keep growing.
“Studio 1924 has a ton of things going on right now,” Moore said. “This semester, we hope to offer many more opportunities to create something awesome.”
