By MOLLIE STARK
This week, Beloit LatinX Voices (LV for short) held their first event of the semester, “Repaint The Space.” LV leadership members gave attendees some canvases, paints, and brushes to let out some creative energy with. The result? A myriad of paintings that range from picturesque landscapes to the El Gato meme to abstract martini paintings and everything in between.
The event was lively and warm. People struck up conversations with people they have never met before and reunited with old friends too, all in the same space.
One attendee, Luísa B., told me, “I want to join LV because I want to include Brazil in more events… Sometimes, we [Brazilians] feel left out because we don’t speak Spanish.” LV has made it part of their mission to create a welcoming environment for a diverse array of LatinX identities and backgrounds.
LV also has many events for the campus as a whole, where students are welcome to pop in and participate regardless of membership. Many students checked out the event to “support the homies,” as Nico D. phrased his reason for being here.
Some were feeling tired from a long day of classes but pushed through to come out and participate in the event. Students filled both common area rooms, and music played in the background as people laughed, talked, and shared their paintings with one another.
LV’s president, Aliza, a senior at Beloit, seemed excited about the club’s future for this year, mentioning how she designed the logo: a green teddy bear with a purple accessory on its head. Aliza shared with attendees that this year LV is hoping to put on fun events such as a “Learn to Cook a Latin Dish” and “Dose Córazones” (12 hearts) along with more serious events that focus on topics such as unpacking the experiences of LatinX students attending a PWI, colorism, and more.
By 5 p.m., canvases were running out which was a testament to the success of the event.
Frida, the vice president of LV, prodded people to finish up their work around six pm and go to dinner. People slowly said their goodbyes and left the house, appearing more jovial than when they walked in. For more information on LV Club happenings, follow their instagram at: beloit_latinx_voices
Featured Image: Voces House
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