On 08 of October 2025, the Saint Louis University (SLU) Talged Center hosted Matchstick Session 4 titled “Fragments and Frames into Postcards of Wonder.” In this crafty postcard making session that envisions to experience fun and establish connections, art is seen through a mixed media approach.The session was an avenue for personal therapeutic art expression and a breather for the Louisians.
Head of SLU Talged Center, Ms. Geraldine B. Sanil, began the first matchstick session for this academic year by giving reminders emphasizing the reasons behind the initiative for these workshops, which are known better as “Matchstick Sessions.” Ms. Sanil explained how the Center acts as a brave space designed to bring the Louisian community together in exploring talents and hobbies, sharing the sentiment: “You can be yourself here, and you will not be judged,” she encouraged.
After the reminders, the Luminary for this session was introduced, Ms. Sigrid Lianne E. Taccayan, an enthusiast of all things creative and an imaginative explorer in the realm of mixed media arts. She is also a proud alumna of SLU BS Psychology Program and a current professor at the SLU Department of Psychology.
As a tradition of every matchstick session, a candle was lit to signify a spark that will help keep the participants curious and creative. This light also acts as a guide for the purpose of sharing one’s spark that can only be discovered through exploration and self discovery. Following this was an introduction session of the participants that helped in creating a comforting atmosphere.
Ms. Taccayan defined mixed media arts to the participants presenting the art buffet filled with design materials. She further elaborated how the art of crafting is not caged to doing sit down scribbles when drawing. Adding her personal insights on defining art as something that stems from great passion, this sentiment reflects the liberty one can feel in designing postcards. One can craft with no limits or constraints and write with emotions designed on paper.
Students were busy designing their postcards while Ms. Taccayan connected with the participants and individually checked up on their work. Throughout the postcard making session, she spoke about channeling emotions better because what you feel reflects in the artistic output. She expressed that as individuals, students should all have the liberty of coming home to themselves through artistic expression.
Another postcard-making session will be conducted on 09 October 2025, from 2:00-4:00 pm.
Matchstick Sessions allow the SLU Talged Center to reach its goal of bringing the Louisian community together helping students branch out and create deeper connections with themselves and others. This initiative aligns and advocates for SLU’s efforts in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). (Article by: Catherine Rose Bondoc, UIO Intern | Photos by: John Erick Cortez, UIO Intern)
