Honors Familia is an affinity group that hosts events with the representation and education of different Latinx identities in mind. Throughout the event, students were encouraged to ask questions about piñatas and the Mexican tradition they were participating in. The session provided an opportunity for all students to explore a recognizable tradition, whether they came from a Latinx background or not. 

Melanie Hernandez, the group’s president, has first-hand experience making piñatas and wanted to share the cultural tradition with other GVSU students. 

“At first, I hoped to bring in a professional in piñata making,” Hernandez said. “But (then) I remembered I made them when I went to elementary school in Mexico. We wanted to allow our members to remember these (cultural) roots and learn the ‘how to’ so they could continue creating these memories.”

The origin of the tradition, hitting a brightly decorated piñata with a stick until it breaks open and treats spill out, dates back hundreds of years and was brought to the Americas by the Spanish. Many scholars believe the tradition originated in China, with hanging paper dolls that were hit and crushed, spilling seeds and then burned for good luck. 

Drawing from her experiences and knowledge of the craft, Hernandez planned the session for students to appreciate part of Mexico’s cultural background while upholding the mission of Honors Familia. 

Hernandez prepared the piñata bases in advance, making them out of balloons, colorful paper strips and glue. She prepared cones made of thick paper that were glued to the piñatas’ bases, creating an animal shape. Students had full creative freedom with decorating the piñatas by using strips of tissue paper that could be stacked or cut into specific designs.

“Students had the opportunity to collaborate and have fun, all while getting to know our group’s mission,” Hernandez said. “Honors Familia is dedicated to fostering community and support with the Latinx population. (We aim to) embrace the values of academic excellence, cultural celebration and camaraderie.”

By creating their own piñatas, students were given the opportunity to appreciate the rich history of the art form and its cross-cultural reaches in a way that Honors Familia members will remember. As students created the craft, members of the group shared their own personal  experiences regarding piñata making.

Honors Familia hosts various events throughout the year that feature speakers and activities. The group invites students to attend events in an effort to immerse themselves and learn more about history and traditions.

Eight participating students created musical compositions based on artwork, which were then performed by the New Music Ensemble in front of a panel of judges. This year’s guest judge was Cindy Meyers Foley, the director and CEO of the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). The original compositions were inspired by two art pieces from the museum’s exhibition “Climate Matters: Our Changing and Resilient Planet.” 

GVSU senior Joy Anderson submitted two, 60-second compositions for the ensemble to perform.

“I was so happy to hear my work being performed, and so incredibly excited and proud to hear my classmates’ and friends’ pieces,” Anderson said. 

Anderson added it was both fun and nerve-wrecking to be part of the competition, as the premiere of new compositions have the ability to make for an exciting performance.

“For these two compositions, I took the approach of creating a story in my head behind each artwork, (and) came up with a pre-composition plan about what I wanted the piece to sound like,” Anderson said. “After I had a clear picture of (the) form and mood of the pieces, I started putting notes on the page until I came up with something I liked.”

Noah Seim, a pianist in the New Music Ensemble, said it was an interesting experience to play music without knowing the composers. 

“As performers, we don’t know who the composers are, even though we’re playing their music,” said Seim. “We’re as oblivious as the audience.”

Having received composers’ submissions a number of weeks ago, the musicians had time to prepare for the performances. Seim felt there was a great amount of pressure on the ensemble to perform well because the pieces are entirely new compositions. 

“There’s a ton of pressure on the group to play because it (the event) carries the weight of being the first time the work has been performed,” Seim said. “I was really nervous about the resonance in the space.”

The judges choose the composition they felt best fit the exhibitions’ two pieces, with a cash prize being offered to three winners. The audience was also allowed to vote, with an additional prize handed out to the audience’s favorite pick. 

“My favorite part of the night was the time in between the final piece and when the judges finished their deliberation, while the audience’s votes were counted,” Seim said. “The air was really quite electric, as everyone was talking (and) excitedly discussing the pieces in anticipation (of) the final results.”

The first place award was given to Adam West, while the second place winner was Zach Haverkamp. Third place was given to David Grimard, who was also the Audience Favorite. A bonus award was given to Anderson for composing the 300th piece of the event’s history.

“This is such a unique experience that I am so grateful we have been given here at Grand Valley in our Music Department,” Anderson said.

Medley was originally conceived as a collection of French performances and presentations. Carol Wilson-Tiesma and Séverine Collignon, senior affiliate professors at the University, took over Medley’s organization four years ago, and expanded the number of languages celebrated at the event. This year, seven languages were represented by 31 participating students and professors: French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Latin, Arabic and Hindi. Performers spotlighted the art of language through singing and piano, recitation, artwork and the interpretation of poetry and prose.

“When Carol and I took over (the event, we) decided to celebrate all languages, not only French,” Collignon said. 

During Medley, prose and poetry recitation were popular acts across all languages, and the various musical performances showcased talents across genres, such as opera, gospel and pop. While visual artwork was less popular, an Italian cultural piece presented by the artist in Italian stole the show.  

“The artwork (stood out to me) because it was the first time a student presented their original artwork to communicate their love for (Italian) language and culture,” Collignon said. 

It was not only students who had the chance to show their appreciation for language. Visiting professor Arya Jadhav, an educator, data scientist and artist, shared her poetic work in Hindi.

“We were thrilled that our Medley event gave (Jadhav) the unique opportunity to share her native language,” Collignon said. “A Hindi poem written and performed by (her).” 

While many performers shared their native language and cultures, the event also saw participants sharing works written by others that they admired, and wanted others to appreciate as well. 

Three students interested in Latin studies performed a section of Ovid’s poem “Metamorphosis” in its original language. The 15-book poem, which was originally published in A.D. 8, is considered the Roman poet’s magnum opus.

Anthropology major Olivia Savage shared that she admires the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who is best known for his unique creative style that influenced modern literature. Savage recited his poem, “Chanson de la plus haute tour,” which translates to, “The Song of the Highest Tower.” Rimbaud inspired Savage to study French because she wanted the ability to appreciate his writing in its original language. 

Since Medley has been extended, the event has allowed for a more expansive celebration of languages, and encourages students to explore and appreciate a diverse group of cultures. 

In this guide to student musicians at GVSU, five artists have shared their passion for creating original music, along with their future aspirations. A list of additional student musicians follows, although this is by no means a comprehensive guide, as GVSU is home to many talented artists.

Anthony Erlandson

Anthony Erlandson is a senior at GVSU and a solo, pop artist who enjoys performing their original music on local stages. Erlandson has been making music their entire life, with their earliest musical experience being the GarageBand app. Since being introduced to making music, their creative process has developed over time.

“I make a full beat first or full instrumental,” Erlandson said. “Or, it’s 2:00 a.m. and I get an idea, and I just word-vomit into my Notes app.” 

Erlandson thinks their music is particularly unique, especially for the Grand Rapids area, which does not have an expansive local pop music scene.

“I want to make stuff you can play at the club and have fun,” Erlandson said. “Maybe the gay club, but still a club nonetheless.” 

As a solo artist, Erlandson has no plans to join a group, and wants to continue making music and performing for their own enjoyment and that of others.

“I love being a solo artist,” Erlandson said. “I don’t have to argue with people over sh*t.”

Outside of their performances, you can find and listen to their music on streaming services under Anthony Erlandson.

Julie’s Bones

Andy Lunn is a GVSU student who plays bass in the band Julie’s Bones, alongside group members Colin Overway, Violet Sisson and Duncan Lam. The alternative rock band writes and performs their own music on stages around the Midwest, with every member contributing to the songwriting process.  

“I’ve always wanted to experience and share the energy of the stage with as many people as possible,” Lunn said. “I grew up as a huge fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and their stage presence and sound shaped a lot of (who) I am now.” 

The group met as members of a high school jazz band’s rhythm section. All Julie’s Bones members are multi-instrumental, and will sometimes switch around the composition of the band by altering who plays what instrument. 

“I think West Michigan has a very particular alt-rock sound,” Lunn said. “Some have even ventured to call us Midwest emo in our delivery, which I don’t believe we are at a point to necessarily refuse.” 

Lunn said he is happiest when performing onstage with the group. He added that the band has helped each other through many difficult times over the years.

“I use the artistic process to express feelings that I don’t know how to show otherwise,” Lunn said. “In many ways, it is my most important outlet.”

Looking to the future, Julie’s Bones plans to grow together as musicians while continuing to create as a group, regardless of what genre they may morph into. They also hope to go on tours outside of the Midwest.

“I see us experimenting with songwriting techniques and I am very excited to share this growth with some of my best friends over these next few years,” Lunn said.

Julie’s Bones releases music on all major streaming services under the band’s name. They plan to keep performing in Grand Rapids while also expanding into shows at new venues. 

Silven

GVSU student Evan Arraut created the post-hardcore band Silven, in which he plays the drums, with his band members Alex Perez, Gabriel Jones and Trevor Buskard. The band members met through various informal gatherings, a history that has followed them into their songwriting process, which always begins with a jam session.

“We tend to start with instruments only,” Arraut said. “What we usually do is either one of the three string players bring a riff to practice, or sometimes we come up with it (the riff) on the spot, and we just jam off of it.” 

Post-hardcore is a punk rock genre that emphasizes creative expression, which the band takes seriously. After the band’s initial recorded run-throughs, their process involves trial and error to perfect their sound. 

“We record the whole thing and then just play it back to ourselves and pick up the best parts of it,” Arraut said. “Then, we reorganize it (the song) into an interesting structure so that it’s more appealing to the ear.”

Silven’s original music can be found on Spotify and Bandcamp. They also perform regularly in Grand Rapids at local venues.

Stephanie Dryburgh

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Dryburgh started writing songs in fifth grade that were inspired by her faith and mental health struggles. Dryburgh is involved in multiple off-campus worship groups.

“I have grown up doing music for a long time,” Dryburgh said. “I am a Christian, and I have anxiety and depression. (Music) is how I get my emotions out and how I process (them).”

Dryburgh said she hopes to inspire others through the music she produces, as she struggles with emotions and feelings that many others may experience as well.

“Hopefully I can produce (more songs) one day that people can relate to,” Dryburgh said.

Right now, Dryburgh only has one song released, but she is working toward producing more, and thinks that singing and songwriting will always play a part in her life. 

“It’s my kind of therapy,” Dryburgh said. “I used to make up melodies in my head and make up words, but now I do it mostly with piano.” 

Dryburgh’s favorite musical genres are country and pop, which is reflected in her songwriting. Her song, “I Want More” is available on streaming services under her name.

Lezzu

Devan Walker is a GVSU student who moonlights as musician Lezzu when releasing and performing beats. Walker began his journey in music when he was about eight years old. Over time, he turned his poems into freestyle rap and, eventually, into fully-produced songs. 

“I see no limits,” Walker said. “I just let my thoughts and the beat or melody guide my pen.”

While Walker said his music is seeped in emotion, he does not want to restrain himself to the idea of a genre. He added that he finds beauty in all types of music, but rap is the genre he gravitates toward.

“I see my music touching hearts all across the world, making bodies dance and jam,” Walker said. “I know this is what I am called to do for the rest of my life.”

Currently, Walker is working toward becoming even more independent and creative as an artist by learning new writing and producing processes. He added that faith, family and love are what guide the creation of his music.

“What inspires my music is God and the hardships and beauty of life,” Walker said. “The things I have been through in my life have made me a man who only wants to be the best version of himself and see the world for the beautiful place that it is.” 

Walker won the People’s Choice Award on March 12 at the annual GV’s Got Talent showcase, and he hopes to continue performing more live shows in the near future. His music can be found on all major streaming platforms under his stage name, Lezzu.

“I see a message living forever in music,” Walker added. “The message is that love wins, always.”

Additional student artists

• Zachary Jaeger, solo artist
• Reette Thorns, solo artist
• Nicholas Plummer, Lie.
• Brendan Harris, Wishes for the Well / Saint Martyr
• Cayden St. John, Jules Bonnot

Block printing began as an art form in ancient China as an efficient way of reproducing and sharing information about medicine and agriculture. Now, the medium is mostly used to create artistic images. Block printing originally began by utilizing wooden blocks, but since rubber is easier to carve into, rubber blocks are commonly used at present.

At the workshop, students drew a design on paper before transferring the graphic onto a rubber block. Once the image was on the block, students began carving out the negative spaces, leaving only the lines. After carving, which was the most tedious part of the process, they applied black ink to their stamps with a small paint roller, and stamped them onto paper. The final stage could be repeated as many times as the artist desired.

ASAP is a branch of one of OMA’s Laker Connections programs. The Connection programs are designed to support and encourage diverse students in an environment where they can be their authentic selves. Laker Connections’ programs are open to all GVSU students.

Anna Miller, OMA’s assistant director, is a firm believer in using art to share culture and history. Miller stated that by learning the practice of printmaking, students can become familiar with new experiences and cultures.

“I had always wanted to pick up printmaking myself,” Miller said. “I spent winter break learning (its) history and techniques so I could share with my ASAP students and interested members of the GVSU community.” 

Miller mentioned that block printing historically played a huge role in the spread of information, literacy and art across the world.

“This (art form) also made books and art more affordable to the common people,” Miller added.

While block printing originated in China, Japan and India also have a rich history in the medium. One of the most well-known woodblock prints, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” is a Japanese print that exhibits several different carving layers. Miller shared that, among other pieces of art, the work best demonstrates printmaking’s impact on the world and individuals like herself.   

“To this day, people still enjoy carving methods of printmaking, and it’s a great way for small artists to replicate their work onto prints or textiles,” Miller said.

GVSU student Malia Tello attended the event and, like many of her peers, experienced printmaking for the first time. 

“I knew (block printing) was going to be difficult, and it (proved) me right,” Tello said.

Tello created a stamp of her initials, and despite difficulty, said she enjoys the art form and loved the design she created.  

Another student at the University, Tessa Brummels, followed Tello’s suit. 

“I did my name, which (had) a lot of details,” Brummels said. “It took me a minute to get it (the carving) going, but it (went) well. I just (took) it slow.”

Brummels offered advice to anyone attempting to block print for the first time.

“When in doubt, start further out, and then you can go back in closer later,” Brummels said. “This (method) prevents cutting away any sections too soon. Once a section of the rubber is gone, that detail is lost.” 

To start off the week of love, GVSU’s Alcohol & Other Drugs Services (AOD), Campus Activities Board and the Center for Health & Wellbeing collaborated on a Valentine’s Day Paint & Sip event on on Feb. 10. At the gathering, students were able to follow along with a Valentine-themed painting tutorial or pursue original ideas. Snacks and mocktails were available to students in attendance. Additionally, AOD’s peer educator team was readily available to speak with students and point them toward any resources they might not have been aware of. 

“Students were free to come at any time during the event, (which) allowed people to paint and leave when they were ready,” said Onyx McCormick, a GVSU student worker at AOD. “Since the event was open to anyone, the outcome was great.”

Most students were inspired by the Valentine’s Day theme, even if they did not follow the tutorial provided. Lauren King, a graduate assistant at AOD largely organized the Paint & Sip event, and said one of the activity’s goals was to help students with the potential stress of the romantic holiday. 

“A handful of students used the tutorial we provided to paint disco cherries,” King said. “There was also a variety of flowers and candy heart paintings. It was open for students to do whatever, and provided a stress-free space.”

The University’s Recreation & Wellness department also hosted Valentine’s-themed events that focused on health and exercise. On Feb. 10, they hosted Cupid’s Groove and Glove, a Zumba and yoga fusion session. The class had a starting focus on dance and ended with a focus on breathing techniques to promote relaxation. Later in the week, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, Recreation & Wellness held a Love Your Core: Pilates Class on the Pew Campus.

That same evening, NIARA, a program within the Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity, hosted a Galentine’s Strawberry Dipping Workshop. The activity was part of a series of events centered around making connections within the GVSU community. NIARA is a student-led program committed to creating a community at GVSU for women of color by providing platforms for expression.

Overall, the week’s events invited students to use art to relieve stress and participate in new experiences with friends. The activities’ free and open form ensured the events’ environments were conducive to creativity while encouraging socialization, an aspect that many students seemed to appreciate. 

The Valentine’s Day-themed events coincided with the University’s Sex Ed Week, during which the GVSU Center for Health & Well-being worked with campus organizations to educate students about sexual health. 

“Since the event (Valentine’s Day) happens during Sex Ed Week, we wanted to work together to highlight the relationship between substance use, sexual wellness and student life,” King said.

All of the aforementioned events helped provide free resources and education, and facilitated a way for students to safely engage in the romantic theme of Valentine’s Day.

The party featured a birthday cake, themed drinks and activities. Guests decorated heart-shaped sunglasses and participated in trivia about the singer’s songs and life, while a life-size cutout of Styles provided a photo opportunity for attendants.

Lauryn Comstock, one of CAB’s Activities Team directors, took charge in hosting the event. Comstock has been a fan of Styles since his One Direction days.

“I went to a One Direction concert and had (a) ‘team Harry’ sign and little Harry tattoos,” Comstock reminisced. 

Comstock said her appreciation for both Styles’ music and personality stems from the singer’s genuine nature.

“I just feel like following someone and supporting someone who really, truly believes in treating people with respect and kindness is something that is so uplifting,” Comstock said. 

The notion of treating people with kindness comes from Styles’ song, “Treat People With Kindness,” which was released on the album “Fine Line” in 2019. The song’s message has since resonated with many fans and has become a motto of sorts. “TPWK” can be found on many pieces of Styles’ merchandise, including water bottles, keychains and sweatshirts. 

Attending GVSU students, Jenae Danowski and Courtney Schmidt, also said they have been longtime fans of Styles, and even attended one of his concerts together. 

Schmidt said she appreciates Styles for more than just his music, but the lasting impact he has on listeners.

“(I like) how honest he is in his music and when he’s talking to fans,” Schmidt said. 

Danowski added that she selected Styles as her favorite One Direction member years ago, and has stuck with the decision ever since.

“(Styles) has a different energy (compared to other singer),” Danowski said. “He gives modern-day David Bowie.”

Like Bowie, Styles has a theatrical stage presence that many fans find magnetic. He is recognizable by his outfits both on and off stage, which influence his fans’ fashion choices. Bowie also never confined himself to one genre of music, a trend that Styles has experimented with throughout his career.

GVSU student Yadira De La Cruz agreed with the aforementioned impact that Styles has on fans. She added that his personality shines through when he performs on stage. 

“He’s just really open, even at concerts,” De La Cruz said. “He’s playful (and) that’s beautiful.”

De La Cruz said her love for Styles grew after One Direction’s breakup. She became a stronger fan of Styles when he began his journey as a solo artist. 

“(When) he released (his) first solo album, I was like, ‘Wow,'” De La Cruz said. “I was crying.”

De La Cruz added that Styles’ initial solo album gave her a new perspective on him as an artist by showing off what skills he possesses, as well as who he is as an individual.

Comstock said that Styles is worth celebrating because he is a role model to those who enjoy his music.

“(Styles) is super genuine and supportive of all types of people,” Comstock said. “We can all stand to learn from having that openness and kindness toward everybody.” 

GVSU student Lauren Elias explained that she doesn’t buy clothing from high-end stores anymore due to the cost. Elias shops at the Goodwill Outlets in Grandville and Muskegon. These outlets are often called “the bins” because they feature large, blue bins filled with stacks of clothes that customers can peruse and purchase by the pound. While further away from GVSU than some local Goodwill locations, many students make the trek to the bins for better deals.  

“I just can’t pay 20 bucks for a shirt that I could get for three or four dollars at Goodwill,” Elias said.

After purchasing, Elias sometimes alters her thrifted finds by cropping the clothes with scissors. The creative hobby started when she was bored during the COVID-19 pandemic’s associated lockdown. While Elias still upcycles clothes, she joked about excessively cropping pieces in the past.

“I had a thing with scissors and every single piece of clothing I owned, which was probably not a good idea,” Elias said. 

Elias added that it is far less daunting to revamp clothes for the first time when they are thrifted, as compared to something purchased brand-new. She added that her shoes are even thrifted, and encouraged other students not to neglect thrift stores’ shoe, accessory and purse racks.  

“I’ve been able to successfully buy almost anything at a thrift store for cheap,” Elias said. “I just go through every rack.” 

GVSU student Ethan Henry also named the Goodwill Outlets as his favorite thrifting location, and shared that he started a business out of the hobby. He buys high-quality clothes and sells them on eBay at a higher price.

“If you want expensive stuff, look at the tag,” Henry said. “If it says ‘made in the U.S.A.,’ that’s good.”

GVSU student Avery Lautenschlaeger works at Hope’s Outlet, a local thrift store, and said that while many high-quality items are brought in, you have to know what you’re looking for.

“Look at the new racks right when they bring out new stuff,” Lautenschlaeger said. 

Elias and Henry added that while the new racks often hold hidden gems, many items are not necessarily placed in the right section, which leads them to look through the men’s, women’s and even children’s sections to ensure they do not miss anything. They also noted that the type of thrift store you visit also impacts what you may find.

“I much prefer local thrift stores because I feel like they have more character,” Lautenschlaeger added. “Not that I don’t (also) go to Goodwill.” 

While thrifting can be an activity shared among friends, Lautenschlaeger said she prefers to shop alone so that she can browse every section without feeling rushed. She noted that to her, thrifting is “kind of therapeutic.”

The sustainability and affordability of thrifting combat fast fashion’s tempting prices, and keeps Lautenschlaeger actively involved in the activity.

“It is way better for the planet and your wallet,” Lautenschlaeger said. “I feel like you find more unique pieces. You’re not wearing the same thing as everyone else.”

GVSU Film and Video Professor Ryan Copping said that Lynch had an enormous impact on the film community. 

“David Lynch is responsible for a lot of people becoming filmmakers,” Copping said. “His work is unique, influential and (so) moving to a lot of people that they decide to enter the film industry to become film artists.” 

Copping added that the distinctiveness of Lynch’s work lends difficulty when categorizing it.

“His work, I would say, is kind of a horror-adjacent,” Copping said. “A lot of his movies are very disturbing, dark (and use) a lot of horror imagery, but they’re not exactly horror films. I think that’s the unique quality of his work.”

GVSU Film and Video Professor Spencer Everhard agrees with Copping’s view of Lynch’s work, and said Lynch has impacted him personally. 

“The surface-level assumption about (Lynch) is that he made dreamlike, surreal (and) weird movies,” Everhard said. “Those are perfectly fine descriptors, but they also underestimate the enormous depth of feeling and meaning that Lynch expresses with his filmmaking.” 

Copping said his favorite Lynch film is “The Elephant Man,” a movie released in 1980. The film focuses on a man with a bone-related disease that disfigures him. The audience is left with the mystery of what “The Elephant Man” truly looks like.

“By doing that, (Lynch) really makes you, the audience, question how you have contributed to judging people based on disabilities they have or (how) they look,” Copping said. “I think in many ways, it is a very humanistic movie and it’s kind of a beautiful movie in a certain sense.” 

Everhart added that his favorite Lynch film is “Mulholland Drive,” a critically acclaimed movie that won the 2001 Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director. It is also the film that Everhart said played a pivotal point in reshaping his conceptions of cinema’s possibilities.

“After many years and many re-watches, I always find it immensely moving, and I’m still overwhelmed by its true sense of mystery,” Everhart said. “(This) is a quality in movies I find myself cherishing more and more as I get older.”

Both film favorites, while distinctive from each other, demonstrate the uniqueness of Lynch’s style and share a look into his creative mind.

“I think his legacy will live on in his art and his work will continue to have an impact, both because of its power and the simple fact that we will never have another film artist like him,” Everhard said. “As time goes on, his singular qualities will seem even sharper and it will become clear how much he is a figure unique to a particular context who only could have come out of a certain place and a certain time.”

Copping shares Everhard’s sentiment that Lynch’s distinctive style will continue to set him apart and inspire others, even long after his passing. 

“I don’t think you can make movies in the David Lynch style unless you’re David Lynch,” Copping added. “He (was) an utterly unique film artist and I think his best films will continue to be watched for a long time.”  

Participants had complete creative freedom regarding which sewing patterns they worked with, and what thread they utilized. Scraps of fabric in a variety of colors and designs were also available for students to choose from. To make stitching more straightforward to follow, attendees also had access to gridded pieces of paper. The tool, which relies on rows of boxes, stuck to the attendee’s clothing and served as a guide for needle placement.

The Art Museum’s Learning and Outreach Manager, Jessica Sundstrom, emphasized that she was inspired to organize the event by the museum’s current exhibit, “Climate Matters: Our Changing and Resilient Planet.” 

“The Art Museum’s message for that exhibition is how can we make actionable choices to help the environment and climate,” Sundstrom said. “I do a lot of personal textile work, so sustainable mending was one of the very first things that came to mind.”

Sundstrom intended to create an event that would be practical for students in order to truly make progress toward sustainability.

“I know that (many) students on campus are interested in thrifting,” Sundstrom said. “They might find clothes that have a hole or they might rip a favorite shirt, so (learning how to mend) would be a really nice opportunity.”

With this in mind, Sundstrom invited Christina Threloff, a sustainable business owner and mending expert, to the event. Threloff’s business, My Lovely Muse, has spent over six years selling beeswax food wraps and bags which serve as an alternative to saran wrap and plastic bags. When she’s not busy selling environmentally friendly products, Threloff teaches people how to be more sustainable by providing the tools to begin their journey. She offers various classes, including private sewing and group mending sessions. Threloff has previously worked with the University’s Office of Sustainability Practices to teach students how to repair clothes. 

“It might seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never picked it up before, but I think it’s (mending) easy,” Threloff said. “I also think it’s very meditative and soothing.”

At the event, Threloff explained and demonstrated how to create a “running stitch,” as it is deemed a basic aspect of mending. For those who picked the art up quickly, she offered more complex stitching demonstrations.

“With beginners, often the hardest part is threading the needle, but the more you thread a needle, the easier it is,” Threloff said.

Sundstrom added that mending is a very accessible skill to learn. While mentioning the importance of hand dexterity, she said there are tools and various types of needles that can make sewing easier.

“There (are) different things (tools) to help all sorts of people with different facilities, (such as) needle threading tools,” Sundstrom said.

Sundstrom voiced that the University will continue to host sustainability-themed events and those of a similar nature.