Students take part in IAC's cookies and craft

Jimmy Nichols photos Students draw characters and add accessories to their individual work.

Troy’s International Arts Center (IAC) held a “Cookies & Crafts” event for students, faculty and members of the community.

The event gave many individuals the opportunity to unwind and destress themselves ahead of the end of the semester and final exams. While letting their creativity run wild, people could snack on cookies and drink lemonade.

“It is not really anything that takes too much detail, instead, it is just a chance,” said Alex Ashendorf, IAC’s graphic designer and assistant to the curator.“We have a lot of programs for younger kids, older adults and a lot of people who come for tours.

“However, we really do not have anything for the college students, and we are on a college campus. We decided that doing a little craft and having some cookies would give a good chance for cultures to come together and decompress.” When it came to the crafting part of the event, there were different types of fabrics, stencils, markers, mesh netting, strings, glue and blank canvases to put to use. The creative spirit could just sit down at the table and get right to work with the materials in front of them. However, some found more than their creative spirit.

“I thought this was just going to be like coloring sheets or something, but the fact that I was actually crafting something was awesome,” said Cameron Smith, a freshman business major from Bessemer, Alabama. “It reminded me of when I was younger and would build birdhouses with my grandfather.

“I would get to paint and decorate the sides while he did the actual building. This just made me feel like a kid again, back when I had no worries.”

The IAC holds events like these not only to help encourage relaxation for the mind but also to remind people that there is an art museum on campus.

“A lot of people do not know that the IAC is here in the first place,” Ashendorf said. “Some people have never even been in the IAC, but that is because they think that since they are not a creative major, they do not need creative things.

“However, creativity is great and good for your mind and your body. Creativity is also good for focusing and doing something just for you. I would encourage everybody, regardless of your major, and whether you think you are creative or not, to just come and try it out and see if you like it because I am sure you will enjoy it.”

To stay up to date on all IAC events, follow them on Instagram @iac_troyuniversity.