Sarah Buchholtz
Features Editor
On Friday, Sept. 19, the Alley filled with students as they gathered for Plant Night, one of Wooster Activities Crew’s (WAC) annual events. The event, which lasted from 7-10 p.m., allowed students to choose a plant and decorate a pot to create a new addition for their home. The evening drew a steady turnout of participants with full tables as students gathered to paint, plant and socialize.
Plant Night has become a well-known tradition within WAC’s schedule of activities. “It’s a really popular event…and everyone wants a little life in their dorm room,” said WAC President Mariah McKenzie ’26. WAC provided all the materials needed, including pots, paint, gems, soil, various plants and more for students to select and create. The setup allowed attendees to personalize their pots with designs of their choice. “Pink is my favorite color…so I think [my pot] will fit in so well with my room,” said attendee Madeline Frank ’29.
Students approached the activity differently, as some painted elaborate patterns while others chose to stick to a color theme. The completed pots reflected a wide range of styles, showing the creativity of the student body on campus. “It’s really cool to see what everyone else is doing with all their different artistic expressions with their pots. It is very whimsical,” said Frank.
The event also created a social atmosphere in the Alley. Many students came with friends or in groups. “My friend told me to come…and I also get to meet new people and sit down and talk, which is nice,” said Angelina Parrish ’29. The steady flow of students and background music created a lively environment during the three-hour event.
Through Plant Night, WAC offered a change of pace for students from their typical weeknight routine of homework and focusing on classes. The opportunity to work with soil and plants, rather than studying, provided a hands-on activity that gave people a break. Kaitlyn Shane ’27, WAC’s music director, said, “I feel like it’s just nice to be able to do something else instead of just focusing on getting ready for exams.”
Students did not need any prior experience with painting or plant care, which made the event accessible for a broad audience. The emphasis on open participation is a hallmark of many WAC events, which aim to reach as much of the student body as possible. “[Our] goal is just to give the student body a variety of events to come to…WAC is meant to cater to a diversity of interests,” McKenzie said.
WAC is a student-run organization planning campus-wide programs and entertainment throughout the year. In addition to large events like Party on the Green, WAC hosts smaller-scale activities throughout the year, like Plant Night. “The biggest goal for us is to have events for everyone. We just want everyone to have something they would like to do on campus,” said Shane.
Although there was a large turnout at Plant Night, the scale of the event and the number of people who turn up are not WAC’s main priorities. McKenzie said her and the crew’s goal is for “everyone to be able to go and do their own thing. [We want them] to vibe and hopefully connect with others or their friends at their table.” Having the student body feel welcome at an event of any size is important to WAC.
By the end of the evening, it was clear that WAC’s Plant Night was a success. Along with their friends and newly made acquaintances, people left the Alley with colorful, decorated potted plants. Students enjoyed the night as they could express their creativity and get a break from schoolwork. “My favorite part is probably the creativity,” said Frank. . “I love seeing what other people are doing, and I love that I was able to let [my creativity] out and not have to focus on making something look good like an assignment. I got to do whatever I want.”
Students are excited to return to Plant Night next year. “I like being able to chill and paint with my friends and would definitely do this next year,” said Parrish.
For more information on WAC’s upcoming events, check out their Instagram @wacwooster.