Manzanita-Mohave Residence Hall’s Espresso Yourself is the perfect chance for students to perform, be a part of a gallery or just sit back with a cup of coffee and some pastries and watch as peers and local performers make art through music and painting.
The campus-wide program is happening outside this year, with both a wooden and rug stage for performers, canvases for painters and other seating for attendees, according to Gabriella Viera, a physiology senior and a resident assistant. There will be food for all dietary needs, with coffee being served throughout the night alongside tea, lemonade and more.
Manzanita-Mohave, which is the Arts District Theme Community according to Residence Life’s website, encourages students to express themselves freely through their art while also having a fun time snacking on pastries and coffee.
Espresso Yourself gives venues and students a chance to advertise their talents with performances like UA’s Black N’ Blue Hip Hop Crew, Dolce Voces A Capella, Amplified A Cappella and UA students.
Vi Ramassini, a microbiology sophomore, is most excited for the free coffee, but thinks “the performance aspect just seems very interesting” and that this event is a good opportunity for her to connect with members of Residence Hall Association.
Delaney Thomas, a sophomore studying art education and psychology, plans to perform a poetry piece that she wrote.
“I have always enjoyed writing poetry and am a published author for it, actually,” Thomas said. “Recently over the past year though, I have loved performing slam poetry.”
This is truly a chance for students to express themselves in a new and unique way that not only includes performing on a stage, but painting on canvases, too.
“Essentially to me, I think the fact that there really isn’t anything like it on college campuses … makes it really special and beautiful,” Ramassini added.
The hall council station will be providing students with all the required materials to paint something for themselves, including one canvas per student, according to Viera.
“We also have room in our gallery if you would like to showcase drawings, fashion designs, architecture designs, etc.,” Viera wrote on the event’s Facebook page.
If creating isn’t your style, sit back and enjoy the performances with a nice cup of coffee. Espresso Yourself provides alternative options for people with dietary needs, including iced tea, tea, lemonade and hot cocoa.
The pastries will be catered for by Costco, Dedicated, AJ’s and Beyond Bread and covers all dietary needs, including sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan, according to Viera.
The event is also promoting sustainability and urges students to bring their own mugs or cups if they can to minimize the waste from this event.
Espresso Yourself will take place Friday, Dec. 2 from 8-11 p.m. and has a Facebook page and google doc for people who are interested in performing or featuring their art in the gallery.
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