Taking on art in a non-competitive form is a group of students coming together to share their creativity.
Abby Froli, social work junior, is the founder and president of Creative Cats. She founded the club when she noticed a lack of art organizations on campus for non-art majors.
Froli said when she became a freshman peer mentor, many of her students’ hobbies revolved around art. She decided to create a safe and relaxed space that gave them and other students a way to show their creativity.
“Our mission is to provide a space where people don’t have to be judged or critiqued,” Froli said. “You don’t have to be some elite artist to join.”
Creative Cats meets up for fun activities like painting pumpkins, pottery and ice cream socials. At each event, members are given options for how they want to showcase their artistry. Whether it is through painting or something craftier, there is something available so everyone can find their inner artist.
Froli said social connection sparks creativity. Having a laid back group dynamic when being creative encourages students to use art however they like.
In the future, Froli said she plans on opening a mobile art therapy truck, so art can be provided to people who might need it in their lives. Creative Cats is a way to keep art relevant to her and keep her dream alive. According to Froli, art helps her destress and control her anxiety.
Shelby Shaw, education sophomore, is an active member of Creative Cats. She joined to unwind with fun, crafty activities. Her favorite activity so far was one she did not even plan on creating. She painted a rock and pot that she combined to make a funky art piece. The piece resembles a cactus in a pot that sits on her bedroom window sill.
“No one is competing against anyone or judging what you’re doing,” Shaw said. “You’re there to have fun.”
Shaw said as an education major, Creative Cats is very beneficial to her because she can use some of the ideas in her future classroom. She said little kids love art, and it is a way for them to freely express themselves in their own unique ways.
Perspective member Casey Ptacek, psychology sophomore, attended one of Creative Cats’ socials where they went bowling. She said the members were friendly, relaxed and not closed off at all.
Ptacek said she has never been “good” at art, but enjoys doing it since it acts as a type of therapy for her. She said having an art club on her applications to grad school could make her seem more diverse and stand out among applicants.
Ptackek’s one obstacle stopping her from joining groups is her tightly packed schedule due to school and work. However, since Creative Cats only meets once a week, their relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to find time to attend.
Creative Cats meets every Thursday through Nov. 29 in UAC 408. The meetings are an hour long and start at 5 p.m. To stay up-to-date with the club, visit their social media handles: Instagram @txstatecreativecats and twitter @creativecats_.