By Candice Wyatt: Arts and Entertainment Editor

Last fall marked the launch of the Arts Association, a student organization that has quickly became an outlet for creative expression to any CSUSM student who wants to participate.

“We want to encourage students to be involved in the arts outside of the classroom.  It’s recreational, therapeutic, relaxing and expressive.  It gives students a creative space,” stated Marilyn Huerta, Arts Association Advisor.

Huerta, realizing there wasn’t an art organization, began asking students last year if they would be interested in starting a student art organization.  “In the past we’ve had about 120 members.  I expect to continue growing,” stated Huerta.

Last year, the Arts Association organized events that included Hope for Haiti Art Auction, Falling on Winter Student Art Exhibit, Love Your Body Day in collaboration with the ASI Women’s Center and Operation Art, an exhibit dedicated to veterans.

The Arts Association will kick off the fall semester with a student exhibit that will showcase student work in the Arts building.

“This club is great for art students who want to step out of their shell, show their work and get feedback.  It also gives the average student a creative space to express themselves,” said Heurta.

Last semester, two Arts Association members, Kevin Cruz and Brittany Galante, won a student contest in which they were selected to paint the mural on the storage sheds located near the basketball courts at The Clarke Field House.

“Through events we do, you are able to network with people who are in the field you’re interested in,” stated Lauren Reynoso, Arts Association President.

Although the club executives haven’t met yet to discuss this semester’s calendar, Reynoso would like to collaborate with SDSU and UCSD in the future, who both have student art organizations, and create a San Diego Art Association.

Meetings are held bi-weekly on Thursdays at noon in ART 342.  Students can join by emailing Marilyn Huerta at [email protected], Lauren Reynoso at [email protected] or by showing up at a meeting.  The Arts Association is currently looking to fill the secretary and creative director position.

The Arts Association will be participating in the “Leave Your Mark” events held on September 21, in the Library Plaza from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“If there’s a student who has an idea to do something, bring it to the table and we’ll try and make it happen,” said Huerta.