On the evening of Oct. 5, students gathered on Old Asbury’s Green to enjoy coffee and painting paired with live music. The evening was pleasantly warm and began with a soft, golden sunset. The green was scattered with white tables with wildflowers and decorated with beige banners, lanterns and several feet of warm yellow string lights. The nearby trees were also dressed with soft lighting. Food was provided along with various teas and coffee from the Hiccup. There were chocolatey sweets as well as charcuterie boards. And of course, Ale 8 was another beverage option.
As the sun set, there was a cool breeze, chasing away the last of the sunny day’s heat. The lanterns, string lighting and candles on the tables provided ample illumination for students to work on their projects. Students were provided with a variety of paints and the choices of small canvases, tote bags or notebooks to customize.
The event possessed a cozy, fall ambience. Students gathered in groups at tables. Others unrolled blankets and settled on the grass or set up camping chairs. The sound of pleasant chatter and carefree laughter blended with the soft acoustics of musicians which echoed across the yard. People showed each other their artwork. There was no criticism present, only happy laughter.
Not only were students present; many families from the community also gathered to enjoy the evening. Some brought along their children and dogs.
Coffee and Canvas provides a place for students to unwind from the busyness and stress of their semester.
Emma Hearn, who is on staff with Student Activities Cabinet (SAC), said, “I love that people are gathered around to chill and relax in the middle of the semester. Coffee and Canvas is a space for talented students to express their creativity and share their talents with others. It is also an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.”
In planning the event, Hearn’s goal was to decorate the Old Asbury Green in ways fostering hospitality, a place promoting rest and relaxation for students and the Wilmore community alike.
“Our goal in planning Coffee and Canvas was to make it feel both hospitable and comfortable for all attending,” said Hearn.
Hearn’s goal was achieved. Students definitely felt this sense of serenity.
Asbury senior Eden Wilson said, “It’s very warm and cozy. The lights add to the ambiance and calm environment. I just love listening to the people talking around me and the music. I’m not even painting. I’m just enjoying being here with other people.”
Live music for the event featured all student artists, either solo singers or small bands. The genres of music showcased mainly consisted of soft rock, folk and indie. Some songs featured were well-known hits like “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan, “Yellow” by Coldplay and “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins. Some student singers and songwriters also presented their own songs. The stage for singers and musicians was on the Old Asbury porch which was illuminated by the soft glow of lamps. After each group finished their performance, they were cheered on by fellow students, classmates and friends. The audience sang along with the performers. In some instances, they even used their phone flashlights to cheer on performers who were especially talented. Overall, the environment for musicians was laid back and free of pressure and judgment.
Ethan Ivey, an RA in Johnson and music announcer for the event said, “What I like about Coffee and Canvas is that it is a creative space for singers and songwriters to get to practice and sing in front of an audience. This space gives them a creative outlet while everyone just relaxes and has coffee.”
Through Coffee and Canvas, SAC provides singers and songwriters the opportunity to get experience as well as promote their musical talent to the public.
“It is important for singers because whenever you are starting out it is difficult to get gigs. Having SAC to support them is good. They are glad to provide a space for musicians to have community support,” said Ivey.
Coffee and Canvas is held each fall semester. It was first introduced in the fall of 2021. At first, it was small enough to be held on the Stuce porch. It has now grown into a highly anticipated SAC event and has greatly outgrown the porch. This evening of artistic creativity continues to be a student favorite and a highlight of each fall semester at Asbury.
This year’s Coffee and Canvas was the perfect introduction to the fall season as well as a nice break before the stress of the upcoming midterms.
For more information on upcoming SAC events, be sure to follow their Instagram (@asbury_sac).
