The Veteran and Nontraditional Student Center at the University of Wisconsin-Superior hosted a Bob Ross Color event March 20. All students were encouraged to stop by and enjoy snacks and drinks while coloring some of Bob Ross’s paintings.
In attendance was Robin Pfuhl, a certified Bob Ross instructor. Pfuhl provided information about Bob Ross and supported staff by providing the resources necessary to run the event.
Students gathered around the tables and were able to scan through the Bob Ross Color-by-Number book. This is a coloring book that features over 90 landscapes from “The Joy of Painting,” which includes a color key. Allowing for a relaxing way to engage with Bob Ross’s art, the book includes all skill levels.
Students could also watch episodes from “The Joy of Painting,” which was playing on an overhead TV. Setting a relaxing mood, the episodes also helped attendees learn about what he did.
The event also served as a way to help students learn what resources the VNSC has to offer. Lynn Lowney, the VNSC coordinator, spoke about what they provide. “Our focus is to provide resources and offer a safe space for veterans and nontraditional students. It’s a little bit weird being on a college campus with traditionally 18 to 24-year-olds when you don’t fit that mold,” Lowney said. “So just having a safe place to be and where you are probably going to run into other people in your same category, I think it’s comforting. So that’s who we focus on, but of course, all students are welcome at all of our events.”
She also spoke on the location of the VNSC center. Lowney acknowledged that it’s a little bit out of the way on campus. By hosting events like this one, more students can make their way over, learn where it is, and learn about the resources they offer.
Although events revolving around crafts are a relatively new venture for the VNSC, the ideas don’t stop here.
“We haven’t done any crafty events yet; this is our first, but if there’s a good turnout, I would love to do it again, a little more in-depth. I’m thinking with an option of coloring, because not everyone is a painter, and I want to respect that. If we can figure out a knitting class or something just to relax, learn a new skill, or enjoy an old one,” Lowney said.
The VNSC is looking forward to the future planning of next year’s events for students on campus.
