Trojan Art Day inspires young artists

High school students gathered at Troy University for Trojan Art Day, an event 

 designed to introduce young artists to different forms of art through hands-on workshops and demonstrations. The event allowed students to explore new creative techniques, meet college art students and experience what studying art at the university level can look like. 

Griffin Earles, a junior graphic design major from Troy, Alabama, assisted in running several art stations during the event. Earles said the goal of Trojan Art Day is to expose students to art experiences they may not have access to in their schools. 

“A lot of these kinds of events are just to expose students to art,” Earles said. “Some of 

 them might come from schools that don’t have a big art program, so coming here to the 

 university lets them see there’s a lot more than just drawing or painting.” 

Earles assisted with a cyanotype printing station where students experimented with 

 watercolor washes on paper before creating prints. The activity allowed students to explore color and design while learning about alternative printing techniques. 

According to Earles, events like Troy Art Day help students see a wide range of 

 possibilities within the art field. 

Ben Long, a student from Auburn High School, attended the event with the school’s 

 National Art Society. Long said the event gave students the opportunity to see other artists work and gain inspiration for their own creativity. 

“It’s easier to have fun and look at other people’s art and get inspired to improve your 

 own outlook on art,” Long said. 

As a first-time attendee, Long said the variety of workshops helped him understand how 

 many directions art can take. Being surrounded by students who share the same passion made the experience is even more meaningful. 

“Everybody cares, and everyone here is passionate about art,” Long said. “You can make 

 a lot of connections through art.” 

Long also expressed the welcoming atmosphere that stood out during the event. 

“With being surrounded by so many people who want the same thing and are happy to 

 be here, it’s an amazing thing to see,” Long said. “The most important thing is that it’s a 

 welcoming environment.” 

Mary Brooks, a student volunteer in the Troy University Bachelor program from 

 Baymont, Alabama, led a workshop where students created lantern designs using watercolor mixed with isopropyl alcohol.  

“It teaches kids about color, placement and just being spontaneous with their creativity,” Brooks said. 

Brooks said many students were especially drawn to interactive stations like a sticky- 

note wall and free-drawing boards where they could freely express themselves and  have free range. 

Brooks encouraged students interested in art to explore opportunities in them 

 communities and talk with teachers about getting involved. 

“Find a workshop or a classroom that interests you,” Brooks said. “If you want to get 

 involved with art and design projects, just talk to your teachers and the people around you.” 

Through hands-on workshops and student-led demonstrations, Trojan Art Day highlights 

 the importance of creativity and community by bringing high school students to 

 campus and giving young artists the opportunity to explore new techniques, meet other artists and imagine future opportunities in the arts.