Community Wellness Leaders hosted a paint night on Valentine’s Day at 193 Coffeehouse, inviting students to focus on themselves, relax and enjoy the vibes.
Valentine’s Day has seen a shift, in recent years, to focus more on self love. This CWL event was advertised as a way to treat yourself on Valentine’s Day, according to the CWL instagram page. Students were invited to grab a coffee and paint on either a small canvas or a rock, any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m..
This is the second time CWL has collaborated with the coffeehouse to host an event, said third-year student Bella Sheehan, the current president of CWL.
“Last year we just did a regular paint night,” Sheehan said. “We do our events every other Wednesday, and this year, Valentine’s day was on a Wednesday so we thought of doing it here.”
Community Wellness Leaders focus on the four main types of wellness, Sheehan said. Those being physical, mental, emotional and food. They primarily host events that are free for students, and laid back. Some notable events in the past have been a “Just Dance” night and a game night. Sheehan cited the importance of taking care of oneself as a college student.
“As college students it’s really difficult [to focus on yourself and wellness],” Sheehan said. “A lot of people get caught up in school work and doing activities so we try to encourage taking time for yourself for things like self care.”
The rest of the executive board was also manning the event, composed of third-year students Emerie Peterson, Lindsay Gottung and Rachel Voloshin, as well as fourth-year student Claire Demers.
“People get very excited for paint night,” Demers said. “We bought 48 canvases, and we only have about 10 left. And that is excluding the rocks.”
Student participants also had positive reactions to the event. Most were spread throughout the entire coffeehouse, and in groups with friends.
“I would rate [my experience] a 10/10,” third-year Christian Olasanoye said. “I come in here, and they treat me with kindness, smiles and love. And the vibes and music here are unmatched. I don’t think I can find these vibes anywhere else.”
It is important to note that although the occasion took place in the 193 Coffeehouse, it was not an official 193 Coffeehouse event. The coffeehouse is known for hosting events like open-mics, as well as band nights.
“I’d give it a 10,” first-year Meghan Letterman said. “I’d like to see more events like this, especially the location.”
As for what’s coming up, there is plenty to look forward to, Sheehan said. CWL will be hosting an event with University of Rhode Island Counseling for body positivity week, called “Spreading Positivi-tea,” which is in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The event will take place in the Memorial Union on Thursday. Students are encouraged to sign up using URInvolved, as supplies are limited.
Sheehan also encourages any students interested in participating in organizing such events to get into contact with CWL either through their instagram account, @communitywellnessuri, or their email, [email protected] .
“We also are looking for new members to help take over,” Sheehan said. “A lot of our members are graduating.”
Bi-weekly meetings are also held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in Pastore Hall room 234. The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 6.