A sea turtle painting created by sophomore Laurel Bertomeu. Bertomeu painted the picture using one of the create[space]’s new “creativity kits.” (Photo courtesy of Laurel Bertomeu)
The cancellation of in-person activities at St. Thomas has brought a surge of interest in the create[space] activities after director Manuela Hill-Muñoz developed what she calls “creativity kits,” mailed directly to students’ doors.
Hill-Muñoz has released two separate rounds of seven different projects since March 30, and she was very surprised by how many students showed interest in the kits.
“Honestly, I thought we were going to have like 20 people, because every time I launch an idea out of the create[space], I’m always so afraid it’s going to fail and be a disaster,” Hill-Muñoz said. “In less than 24 hours, there were 154 people signed up.”
The most popular kits were canvas painting, candle making, embroidery and stamp making.
Sophomore Laurel Bertomeu was relieved when she found out the create[space] could mail kits to her house.
“I did not have any arts and crafts at home, and I love doing arts and crafts at St. Thomas with the create[space],” Bertomeu said. “This was a great way to just relax for a minute while everything is going crazy all over the world.”
Handwritten and painted letters made by junior Abby Gureski. (Photo courtesy of Abby Gureski)
Junior Abby Gureski explained the kits have been a “breath of fresh air” in isolation.
“Now I have something to give me a fresh perspective and center myself in this time of uncertainty,” Gureski said.
The next kit, which will be sent out in about a week, is aimed at honoring the 2020 senior class. Over 140 seniors have already registered to receive a kit.
The kit includes a five inch by seven inch wooden backboard frame with a cut out of the Tommie mascot and a ‘Tommie grad’ emblem in the top right corner.
“It comes with a paintbrush, purple paint, white paint and black paint,” Hill-Muñoz said. “We are going to invite the seniors to join a Zoom call and paint together to celebrate the Class of 2020.”
Senior Danielle Wong registered to receive a kit and is looking to create one last St. Thomas memory.
“It doesn’t make up for our senior year, but it’s just something small to commemorate it,” Wong said.
Joey Swanson can be reached at swan5350@stthomas.edu.