A new student organization on Ohio University’s campus welcomes Bobcats interested in crafts and art to connect and wind down. Third Space Club provides a “third space” outside of academics and extracurriculars to explore a creative outlet.
Tatum L’Heureux, a junior studying psychology, is co-founder and president of Third Space Club. L’Heureux said she is interested in how art impacts the brain. L’Heureux said the club’s mission is to give people a space to connect through art.
“It’s hard to find time to hang out and find a real community; that’s really important, especially in college, to find a safe space,” L’Heureux said. “So we want to give people a safe space to make art and connect with people who also love doing the same thing.”
The club encourages members to bring a craft of their choosing and spend time with others. L’Heureux said the club’s intention is to connect through art and creation.
“It’s supposed to be a third space for people to come hang out and find community in a form of creation,” L’Heureux said. “We do dance, we do music, we have a bunch of instruments, any kind of art form that you’d like, we have set out.”
Jaden Lamerson, a junior studying psychology and sociology-criminology, is the co-founder of Third Space Club.
“There’s no rule behind it, really,“ Lamerson said. "We all want to make the space feel like people are seen and heard and are valued.”
Third Space Club meets bi-weekly on Mondays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the CoLab on the third floor in Vernon R. Alden Library.
“Everyone picks their own individual activity,” Lamerson said. “The past couple of meetings I did oil pastel or collaging, anything that you like to do, you just choose the activity. Then we all just sit in a circle or a round table and chat and talk about what’s going on in all of our lives and hang out, listen to music.”
Reese Ballard, a sophomore studying visual communications, said it can be hard to connect with others, and having the space to do that is beneficial.
“I usually find myself needing to get out of my dorm and also meet new people because it’s easier said than done when you’re constantly going to classes, then class time is strictly for work and then you go back to your dorm,” Ballard said. “It can be hard to find people who are not only friends, but people that are also creative like you and have the same interests.”
Getting out of a classroom environment and meeting new people through creative interests can also open new doors. Ballard said being around art and crafts might inspire students to try a new hobby.
“I love to doodle, I love to journal,” Ballard said. “If you see somebody else doing something that really interests you, that can spark an idea.”
