Every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the new “Art and Soul” craft circle meets in the DiSCO Cave in Rolvaag. This new group is organized through the Lutheran Center and is led by Campbell Kirley ’27. The group is presented with prompts at the beginning of the meeting that relate to mindfulness, and the topics are discussed while completing a craft. During the meeting on March 18, attenders made block print stamps using materials provided by the DiSCO.
A prompt of the craft circle on March 18 was to examine how you “carve” yourself out of the “negative space” around you, which was inspired by the physical action of cutting out a rubber stamp.
The conversation expanded beyond the prepared prompts as well. The group discussed the importance of “Art and Soul” — specifically, the opportunity the club gives to St. Olaf students to produce art without being under pressure. As students during the school year, much of what we create — art, essays, projects — is turned in for a grade. “Art and Soul” provides a space and community to experiment with creativity without academic pressure, while taking time to reflect on your experiences.
In an interview with the Olaf Messenger, Greta Nelson ’27, a regular attendee of “Art and Soul,” said, “Art and Soul is a chill place. There’s no judgement, and you’re not trying to be really good [at the craft].”
Nelson said that it’s a great space for people to experiment with arts and crafts, because the materials are provided for you and the craft circle is very welcoming and non-judgemental.
I’ve found that it’s important to allow yourself time to put your academics and work on hold to reflect on your emotions, experiences, and thoughts. Our day-to-day life is filled with homework, classes, studying, sports, and screens, but “Art and Soul” provides time to take a break. It’s an environment that allows students to do something just because they enjoy it. The craft circle also provides community for students; it makes time for students to connect with each other over shared experiences, whether that’s a difficult challenge they’ve encountered in their own life, or figuring out exactly how to put together the carving tool that’s used to make the rubber stamps.
I’m looking forward to attending more weekly meetings. “Art and Soul” allowed me to put everything else on hold in order to connect with others and to connect with myself. Sometimes, especially during busy times of the year, we forget to check-in with ourselves. “Art and Soul” is a great opportunity to take a weekly reset.
