Angelica Babiera | Arts Editor
Featured Image: Artists Anonymous offers York students freedom and diversity through creative expression. | Basma Elbahnasawy
York offers many clubs and organizations that provide extra-curricular activities that students can choose from to become more involved in the community. One is Artists Anonymous (AA), which expresses diversity, creativity, and individuality as their cornerstones for a more creative and recreational program for students. They are a student-led club that strives to make memorable experiences for creative minds and leave an impact on the York community by hosting events that caters to different sections of the arts.
The club is all about supporting the creative expression of all students with differing fields of study. It doesn’t matter if you’re majoring in Biomedical Science or something more artistic, as long as you pursue your creative passions. Essentially, it’s a creative outlet for all students and staff in the York community.
“AA begins out of my regret of not being more involved with York during my first two years,” says founder Kat Tien. “During the first two years, it was just an endless cycle of going to school and going home, without much interaction with anyone. By my third year, I wanted to change that. So, I started volunteering with different organization and met many inspiring people. In fact, those people and experiences inspired me to start this club.”
From Tien’s dilemma of having to choose a career path that would make a decent salary, he realized that many people are in the same position as himself. This inspired him to create an open space for artists of all genres to participate in making artistic expression more diverse.
The club also focuses on using its influence to make the York community a better place for everyone.
“We do this through charity events such as ‘Busking’ and a fashion show, as well as events that cater toward the well-being of others, such as ‘Care Bags for Victims of Domestic Abuse’ or ‘Friendship for Mental Health Program,’” Tien adds.
While art is the main form of communication through the club, AA also emphasizes the diversity this club brings to students. They offer events for everyone willing to try and for those who have always had a knack for the arts.
“Diversity is extremely important for us as a club and movement because we believe art is open—open to expression, open to all who wish to enjoy it,” Tien explains. “We at AA will be a platform in which York students can explore and express their artistic passions, whether they are experienced in it or just testing realms. We welcome all students to enjoy our programs to better enrich their student life on campus.”
York’s clubs and organizations all have one thing in common—they often focus on diversity and acceptance. It’s a trait that many take pride in because it shows how welcoming York is. It doesn’t matter what kind of backgrounds we have, we still view our fellow York members with respect. Artists Anonymous is a prime example of this because they don’t discriminate. They only want students to enjoy their time at York and connect more with people outside of their inner circles. It’s a club that will inspire your inner artist to come out and encourage you to show the world what you’re capable of.
