Students drew on white posterboards on the Plaza of the Americas on Wednesday.
352Creates held 352Draw as part of its series of 80 events, most of which will be held Friday throughout Gainesville and other cities in Florida. The group hopes to incorporate art throughout Alachua County, and 352Draw aimed to incorporate arts into students’ lives for five minutes on campus. All events are free.
The booth was filled with blank papers and packs of markers promoting art therapy, said Amy Bucciarelli, a board-certified art therapist for UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine. Those interested drew whatever they wanted.
Bucciarelli said most students drew pictures of nature because they found it relatable.
“The event gives people a chance to showcase themselves,” Bucciarelli said. “Creativity is a lifestyle that brings joy.”
After students completed their drawings, they could keep them, she said.
Bucciarelli said it just takes people five minutes to make a drawing and do something creative during their day.
Ariel Reich, a UF acting junior with a certificate in arts in medicine, said she wanted to let students express themselves through art.
Reich completed a drawing, which she said she enjoyed. She also spoke to students about 352Draw as they walked by and encouraged them to make a quick sketch.
“It’s wonderful because not enough people recognize the simple beauty that is in art,” the 20-year-old said. “It can improve health, well-being, while doing something you can enjoy.”
352Draw will visit downtown Gainesville near the restaurant Steamers today and UF Health Shands Hospital on Friday.
“Doing something as simple can turn into a moment that you are grateful for,” Reich said.
Lizzy Snow, a graduate intern with the Center for Arts and Medicine, draws a picture to support a research study hosted by 352 Creates. The 29-year-old will be running events for 352 Creates on Friday at The Midnight, including coloring book and collage making as well as instructing a hip-hop workshop.
