Union studios offer artistic classes

When the day ends and students head home to do homework, some head to the Indiana Memorial Union's Studios, formally known as the Creative Learning Center. Students like senior Megan Barchet come to the Union Studios to express their artistic side in a classroom setting. Though these classes do not provide credit, they offer a fun and relaxing atmosphere.\n"It gives me a place to have fun along with taking a class which doesn't matter grade wise," Barchet said. "I can do what I want and make what I want along with get whatever I want out of the activities I do."\nStudents and community members can also establish a membership, which allows for use of both the dark room and the pottery area for $45 and $65 respectively. They also have personal workshops, in which a student and a few friends can get together for an event for $15 per person.\nKatie Dickman, a graduate supervisor in Eigenmann Hall, is one of many who has already gotten a group together to go to the workshops.\n"I thought it would be a fun and crafty thing for some of the Eigenmann residents to do," Dickman said. "We had about eight to 10 residents attend. I think it brought out their creative side."\nEven if you are not an artistic person, Susan Ashe, union studios program coordinator, refers to the program's motto to get people interested.\n"Our tag line is, 'a place for the crafty or not so crafty,'" Ashe said. "It's a place you can learn about ceramics and photography without being in an intimidating situation, such as receiving a grade for your work."\nDickman finds their motto fits the bill.\n"I'm crafty, but not super crafty," Dickman said. "The staff helps you to make something cool and they help you to make stuff that is personalized to your interest."\nAlthough they cater to IU students, the Union Studios also open the doors to Bloomington residents. Classes for non-students are $70, while students receive a $5 discount.\nAshe said the studios are a place for students and residents of Bloomington to come and blow off steam and have a relaxing and welcoming environment for everyone who is interested in doing some work.\nEventually Ashe would like to add painting classes to next fall's list. However, for now they are focused on photography and ceramics.\n"We have a great staff which can help students understand the technical aspects of photography and ceramics, but it allows students and instructors alike to have fun while doing those activities," Ashe said.\nThe Studios will have a pottery sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday in the Georgian Room of the IMU. The sale will feature work from students, staff and members. All proceeds will go to the students and the studio.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Ryne \nShadday at rshadday@indiana.edu.