San Diego State’s Women’s Resource Center opened its doors for its “Healing Through Crafts” event on Thursday, Oct. 7 to encourage students to find peace with their creativity.

Sorority sisters, WRC affiliates and students of all majors turned to glitter, drawing supplies and coloring sheets to de-stress and channel their inner artist in the center’s lobby.

Mindful of the tranquility crafting brings to her, interdisciplinary studies junior Emma Bray is a feminist peer educator and volunteer event coordinator who played a part in organizing the gathering to share calmness with others.

“Healing Through Crafts” was also intended to double as a forum for guests to engage in dialogue about topics related to social injustices and other themes.

“The crafts are usually a tactile distraction for greater conversations,” Bray said. “We wanted to encourage folks to come to the space and meet other people who they could connect with (and) express how they’re feeling.”

Dialogue between attendees flowed throughout the afternoon. At moments, people would exchange thoughts on everything from poets and musicians to social anxieties and internship opportunities.

Conversation in place or not, the WRC team aims to create a space with a sense of safety and comfort.

When women’s studies grad student Lori Loftin oversees the center’s program content, she makes sure everything is inclusive and that everyone feels supported.

She said people on campus are always welcome to take a quick visit to the center whenever they need a minute to recharge, herself included.

“It’s really nice to know this event is here for me to de-stress and not have to leave work … I’m kind of an introvert so it’s nice to be around people doing something,” Loftin said.

Marketing junior Vania Roman has been to a few WRC gatherings, and she said she was very fond of the relatability of the content and the socializing aspect of the events.

“I like being able to talk to different people,” Roman said. “Sometimes you don’t feel comfortable (talking) because there are other people around, so being able to talk about certain things here and not having to go to counseling makes it easy.”

The WRC at SDSU strives to provide a vibrant, brave and inclusive space that educates, empowers and advocates for women’s rights, according to the center’s mission statement.

The WRC also has a library, lactation room, kitchen and lounge areas that are open to visitors.

Roxana Becerril is a senior studying journalism.