Tucked between the media center and the 400 wing, a brilliant realm of innovation, and arts and crafts is thriving. A spectacular sight to see, Ridge’s Crafts Club bursts with zesty, creative energy every Wednesday during lunch in room 413.
After assignments, tests, and computer screens, a creative outlet is a refuge from the monotonous duties of high school. But even then, with art, it sometimes feels like it’s not worth trying if you aren’t already talented. We’re told to think creatively and “out-of-the-box,” but for those of us who have trouble even drawing the box, art becomes an endeavor we don’t even attempt.
Crafts Club takes place during the entire lunch block, with tables and plenty of snacks. People are always walking in and out with the lunches, congregating around tables where their friends are crafting. Members are tallied through the club’s attendance list and an additional list of people that return often but are not on the email list. There’s always a variety of paint colors, felt textures, and friendship bead shapes so that members have freedom over what they create and when. The club presidents coordinate new projects each week, often making seasonal activities like Halloween headband making and gingerbread house making. They also send out weekly emails regarding the upcoming activities that have riddles that members can solve for shout-outs.
Co-President and co-founder Linh Ho says, “Crafts Club is great because I feel many high schoolers don’t have an opportunity to express themselves artistically due to their rigid course selection. It’s a fun way to socialize while making crafts without any expectations! Join Crafts Club!” The club’s energy echoes through its members. “I love painting,” senior Darren Jia chimes in, while other seniors, Erica Chang and Serena Cheenath, agree that bracelet making has been their favorite activity.
These are only a few of the total 30-40 active members. The club’s overwhelming popularity for a new club spotlights the demand at Ridge for creativity, but also breathing room. The absence of pressure and expectations invites members of varying art education to let loose and try something new. The results show a lot of crafts exchanged between friends, a couple of failed attempts, a few scraps, and a lot of fun. At the end of the day or the lunch block, Crafts Club reminds students of their potential to create art, even when they don’t expect it.