One of the classic college experiences is joining a club, but it isn’t always easy to find the right one. Many clubs are either major or community-specific and serve a purpose for the people in those specific fields of study or communities.

The Arts and Crafts Club is different. Filling a niche left behind by the shuttering of both the Art Club in the fall of 2024 and the Creative Writing and Wellness Club this spring (although it has since been rechartered), Club President April Starr is doing the work to give the club a running start. As a student employee in the Student Center, Starr has ground floor access to one of the primary ways clubs advertise.

“I’m lucky, because I’m a student employee here, so I literally help handle the flyers. I was there for the Week of Welcome for new students, so I was promoting it then, too,” Starr said. “I always promote it on my tours, because this is the type of club that it’s not major particular.”

Anyone who loves to craft knows that it can be expensive, however, the Arts and Crafts club does not let the reality of potentially high expenses sway them from doing everything they can to make the club accessible to all. This platform is a major plus for the students who participate.

“I’d rather [the cost of craft supplies] come out of my own pocket than charge somebody,” said club Vice President June Halcomb.

For a first semester club, the Arts and Crafts Club already has a large number of members in their quickly growing Discord server, as well as consistent meeting turnout with meetings averaging between 10 and 15 attendees each time. However, even as the club flourishes, there are still some barriers that must be overcome if continued success is to be achieved.

“We are trying to look for a room for permanent use,” said club Treasurer Helena Rubina.

As the club continues to expand, it calls for a needed space to properly accommodate the members. It is no surprise that college students are gravitating towards this club. With many things in the world being scary and complicated, people are desperate for a safe place away from the noise. The Arts and Crafts Club aims to provide an environment for students in the overwhelming and exhausting phase of their lives which college can be.

“[The] Arts and Crafts Club strives to be a community of acceptance and creativity,” Halcomb said.