ArtU Club Mixer: A Virtual Gathering of Creativity

The Campus Life department brought students together virtually for the Academy of Art University Club Mixer held on Friday, September 15, to showcase the diverse student clubs on campus, each with its unique identity and purpose.

Representing Campus Life was Career Services Executive Director Lauren Spain, who kicked off the event with a warm welcome. She emphasized the importance of staying connected and informed through the Campus Life Discord server, a hub for university updates and events. Spain introduced university peer mentors Toby Winograd, Alina Jankowski, and Missa Kato, whose focus is helping students make the most of their time at the Academy.

Winograd summarized their role, stating, “At the end of the day, we’re not just mentors; we’re also friends.” Their presence ensures newcomers have a support system to rely on during their academic journey.

One by one, the clubs unveiled their missions and exciting plans for the semester. Khadijah Coleman introduced the Tea Time Animation Club, sharing that their doors are open to anyone passionate about animation. Tea Time hosts industry guest speakers, game and movie nights, and a weekly meeting on Fridays at 4:30 p.m., creating a vibrant community for aspiring animators.

Tea Time Animation Club during their recent Sketch Crawl event on Sept. 16. Photo courtesy of Tea Time Animation.

Cristiana Alexis and Jonathan Mitchell, leaders of the Black Student Union Club, brought the mixer to life with their Kickback party at the Art Café. Their energetic presence conveyed the club’s commitment to hosting engaging events, brunches, meetups, and the publication of a weekly newsletter that highlights school sports and celebrates Black excellence.

The ArtU Game Club, represented by Kevin Suber and Racheal Klink, offers a haven for gamers. Their regular game and event nights provide an engaging platform for gaming enthusiasts. They are actively seeking to fill leadership roles within the club, including a moderator for their Discord server and event organizers.

The Interior Architecture and Design Club is in search of a president, VP, and social media guru. Despite the need for leadership, the club remains dedicated to fostering talent with alumni-led motivational meetings, portfolio assistance, and an upcoming sketch competition for Halloween.

The Women in Animation Club, as Jankowski explained, is an advocacy group striving to improve gender representation in the animation, VFX, and gaming industries. “In 2016, over 60% of animation graduates were female, but women only held 20% of the creative roles,” said Jankowski. “Our goal is 50/50 gender equality by 2025.” The club hosts movie nights, game nights, and portfolio critiques and provides information on women in animation opportunities, including scholarships and mentorship circles.

Christine Gonzales, president of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), spoke about their commitment to educating students about landscape architecture and facilitating access to professional networking events and resources. The ASLA holds weekly virtual hangouts on Wednesdays, creating a supportive community for aspiring landscape architects.

IAD Club shared an upcoming event during the Club Mixer.

Justyne Gurley, president of the Outloud LGBTQIA+ Club, expressed the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space for self-expression, gender, and sexuality. This club is not exclusive to LGBTQIA+ individuals but welcomes allies, fostering unity and understanding.

While the event was a success, several clubs couldn’t make it to the mixer but they are equally important in the university community. The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) hosts monthly meetings, offering architectural students a platform to explore their industry. Beyond the Front Row supports the university’s fashion show with exciting styling events. The Chinese Students and Scholars Association provides a supportive community for Chinese students. The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) is dedicated to promoting the success of minority students in architecture.

Campus Life extended an open invitation to students eager to start new clubs. “The university is open to new club ideas, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity,” said Spain. “If you have a passion or interest not yet represented, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!”

These clubs provide a platform for students to explore their passions, connect with like-minded peers, and make the most of their time at this esteemed institution. With opportunities and a supportive community by their side, the future for Academy of Art University students looks brighter than ever.

To get involved in one of our clubs, please reach out:

American Association of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

Email: aslastudents@academyart.edu

Discord: https://discord.gg/c4TZsJyh6Q

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

Email: academyart@aias.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiasaau

ArtU Game Club

Email: artugameclub@gmail.com

Discord: https://discord.gg/5dhVP8Yc8C

Beyond the Front Row (BtFR)

Email: beyondthefrontrow@gmail.com