Emotions and Life:
Spring Painting Therapy Event
As spring breathes new life into the campus, students at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) find themselves balancing the joys of the season with the pressures of academic deadlines.
On April 5, VIVA partnered with the Mood Psychology (WUSTL) student group to host a "Spring Painting Therapy Event" centered on the theme of "Emotions and Life." The event aimed to provide a platform for students to express their emotions and reconnect with their inner selves.
Event Purpose
Art, like a gentle breeze, has the power to heal. Every emotion carries its own color, and every experience holds a story worth telling. Through free-form painting, participants engaged in a deep dialogue with themselves, exploring emotions in a safe and accepting space. Whether joyful or somber, all feelings found expression on the canvas.
This event was not just an artistic activity but also a journey of relaxation and self-discovery. By embracing the colors of spring, participants reconnected with their emotions and explored the richness of life.
Event Recap
Despite the drizzle outside, the room was alive with vibrant colors as participants picked up brushes to trace the contours of their emotions, rediscovering lightness amidst laughter.
Part 1: Icebreaker Games – A Relay of Laughter and Teamwork
Groups of 5-7 played a timed drawing-and-guessing game, where each participant added to a evolving, often absurd, visual story. The playful challenge broke the rainy-day gloom and sparked excitement.
Part 2: "Draw Your Life" Creation – A Dialogue Through Colors
Participants freely created artworks themed around their life stories, using prompts like "unforgettable moments" or "special objects." Through self-portraits, abstract lines, or symbolic trees, they embarked on a journey of self-exploration.
Part 3: Emotion Card Painting – Visualizing Inner Feelings
Drawing random emotion cards, participants translated complex feelings into art without judgment or technical constraints, using painting as a window for honest self-reflection.
Participant Feedback
- "The drawing relay was so fun! The prompts were creative, and painting my life story helped me understand myself better."
- "This was a much-needed outlet for stress. The 'Draw Your Life' theme offered a fresh perspective—it felt like the brush could guide my thoughts."
Event Conclusion
Amidst the spring rain, this painting therapy event became a sanctuary for the soul. Participants slowed down, embraced their emotions, and left with brighter spirits. Every stroke told a story, and every contribution added hope and vitality to the day. This collaboration between VIVA and Mood Psychology (WUSTL) not only provided emotional release but also created resonance and healing through art.
Mood Psychology (WUSTL)
Founded in March 2021 by WUSTL psychology undergraduates, Mood Psychology (WUSTL) is an independent student group aligned with the mission of Mood Psychology. The group fosters an inclusive, confidential space for mental health support through workshops, expert lectures, and free counseling referrals. Activities like escape rooms and "tree hole" letter exchanges further build a supportive community.
