Campus craft nights are a popular engagement strategy, inviting students to create in the company of others and often providing the supplies needed to do so. For example, on Thursday nights at Ohio University, between 100-200 students show up for Marti and Stewie Craft Night — named so for craft guru Martha Stewart. Supplies are provided free of charge so students can let their creative sides shine while engaging in community.
“This is more about providing a space not really with that much high energy but more low-key, and you’re still able to bond with your friends and build those connections,” Charles Sanders, a graduate assistant for residential activities, told The Post. “I think Marti and Stewie is important because it provides a creative outlet while also letting you vibe with the people that either you’re sitting next to or the people that you bring from your friend groups or learning communities.”
To learn more about creating community through campus arts and crafts events – as well as multiple other student engagement strategies – check out PaperClip’s Student Engagement 2023: 50 Campus Initiatives to Motivate and Engage Today’s Students guide.
