Loyola’s Women’s Center hosted a Paint Night on Thursday, Jan. 31, to gather the community and raise awareness of the services they provide. Participants were free to paint a picture frame or canvas and were treated to a free Chipotle dinner.

The Center was packed with students from all years who wanted to be a part of this fun event. Everyone was mingling and in a good mood as the pop music playlist played on the TV.

Erin Lynch ‘22 had never been to the Women’s Center before and took this opportunity to check out their services.

“The Women’s Center is awesome,” she said. “It gives a good sense of community.”

Lynch and her friends came a little late to the event, but the event directors quickly put together another table so they could paint.

Katherine Sarceno ‘22 felt that this type of event was important for the Loyola community.

“It’s important to remind women on campus that there’s a support system behind them,” said Sarceno. “These events are encouraging … and they bring a certain peace to you when you’re gathered with friends.”

Among the heart-shaped picture frames and abundant bottles of paint sat Esther Weiner, the Women Center’s graduate assistant and the event’s organizer.

Her job is to host events, like Paint Night, to bring awareness to the numerous services the Women’s Center provides to students on and off campus. The night also served to welcome students into the space so they feel comfortable reaching out and utilizing the Center’s resources in the future.

“[The Center provides] resources for people who are experiencing dating violence, sexual violence, stalking, and other related issues,” Weiner said. There are people to talk to “if it happens to you or if you see it somewhere else.”

“I think a lot of people are unsure of what to do in those circumstances,” she continued. “So, it’s important to have a place to go to or someone to talk about the next steps or how they’re feeling even.”

For more information about the Women’s Center, visit their office in 4504A Seton Court to the left of the Health Center.

Feature Image: Courtesy of Matt Brown and the Women’s Center.