The Absolute, OCCC’s literary journal, recently hosted its first creativity workshop in collaboration with the World Languages and Cultures Center. The event invited students to take part in a variety of activities, ranging from writing poetry and painting to collaging and drawing, all while enjoying free food and drinks.
“We wanted a time where you get to just have the materials, go nuts and make something cool,” said Jeffrey Provine, professor of English and staff advisor for The Absolute.
Provine said the workshop was inspired by his collaborations with WLCC Coordinator Chiaki Troutman. Together, they’ve organized projects showcasing world cultures, such as OCCC’s annual culture parade. This time, they wanted to create a space where students could freely express themselves through a variety of different creative outlets.
Rather than offering lectures, the workshop provided stations with worksheets and prompts, giving participants the option to try out different activities at their own pace. Staff members were there to provide guidance or feedback, but the event was designed to be “loosey-goosey,” Provine said, with students free to come and go as they wished.
The Absolute staff also encouraged participants to consider submitting their work to the literary journal, with information being made available at the event to make the process easier.
“That was one of the key points when we were first brainstorming,” Provine said. “We want to make stuff that people can submit just right away.”
While the event was primarily aimed at OCCC students, it was also open to the public. Provine said that welcoming anyone on campus reflects OCCC’s role as a community hub, particularly through the WLCC, which supports international and multicultural students. The center frequently partners with faculty to promote cultural exchange, making it a natural partner for The Absolute’s first workshop
Provine said he hopes the workshop provides not just an outlet for creativity, but also a moment of calm and reflection for students balancing busy lives.
“Writing is very therapeutic,” he said. “Just the opportunity to sit down and make something for a second. Maybe you made a painting. Maybe you made a collage. Or maybe you made a poem that’s never existed before. You’ve created something new, and it’s all yours.”
Though it remains to be seen whether the creativity workshop will become a recurring event, Provine said he would “definitely look forward to doing it again.” If interest grows, he hopes it could become a staple event for students who want a break from academics and a chance to engage with their imaginations.
