On Feb. 12 in the Overman Student Center, the Gorilla Activities Board (GAB) hosted “Candy Crush and Canvas,” their big Valentine’s Day event. Students lined up to get a Valentine’s themed canvas that they could paint. They were also given bags that they could fill with many different candies that were laid out in bowls near the entrance.
Elena Thompson, a junior majoring in graphic communications, talks about why she came to Candy Crush and Canvas. “I love art, and I thought it’d be fun to go with a friend who also enjoys art.” Thompson continues on about being able to relieve stress before the semester picks up. “With new classes coming around, it seemed like a good time to take a breather and just enjoy candy and have a little portrait to do.”
Students lined up at the entrance to the U-Club in the Overman to get checked in and receive their choice of canvas. The canvas had designs ranging from cute birds to bears, with all of them having a theme of Valentine’s Day. Students were able to fill bags with different candys to have as a treat. There were many different options for painting, allowing for full creativity from the students to paint.
Charlie Judd, a senior majoring in elementary education, talks about his favorite candy at the event. “Ooh, I love the nerd gummy clusters, they’re such a staple, I had to stop buying them a few months back because I was just obsessed. But I fear this little bag right here will feed my addiction.” He continues on about going to GAB events, “I saw some advertisement that they were doing a little candy salad thing, and I’m free this Thursday evening. I love to support GAB and all their adventures. So, I was like, why not? Take some time, decompress, do a little painting, have some candy. It’s always a great time at a GAB event, so it’s like, why not go to one, you know? Get something out of it.”
Planning these events happens in advance, allowing GAB to set up many different options and brainstorm different options. Events are a group effort, working with their team to be able to host as many students as possible.
Emilio Cerecres, a sophomore GAB exec majoring in nursing, talks about the brainstorming behind their events.
“We plan our events really ahead of time,” Cerecres said. “Since last semester, we have been planning all of this.”
Cerecres continues to talk about how they got the idea for Candy Crush and Canvas and how they brainstormed.
“One of my friends thought it was a good idea to do something cute for Valentine’s Day, and we thought that candy salad was a good idea along with a painting activity.”