‘Marti and Stewie’ afford OHIO students with crafts… and much more

In the world of residence life programming, the names “Marti and Stewie” carry some very specific connotations: namely creativity, collaboration and crafts. For nearly 18 years, Marti and Stewie Craft Night has provided OHIO students with a creative outlet, unique connections and an array of impressive DIY décor.

The name Marti and Stewie tributes crafting icon Martha Stewart, a crafting role model of program co-founder Sara Bouchard. In addition, the name “was a genius way to make the program gender inclusive,” said Bouchard, an OHIO alumna.

Originally, the crafting program was held monthly with a cap of 40 participants. Crafts like residence hall safe lanterns made of pumpkins and twinkle lights made the event an immediate hit with students.

Over the years, its popularity has grown. Current Marti and Stewie Craft Night programming, held each Thursday at 9 p.m. in West 82 food court, draws between 60 and 140 attendees each week.

According to Bouchard, the programming has always been about more than crafts. Its original intention was to provide students with a social option to cultivate a creative spirit and facilitate connection to the campus and surrounding Athens communities – crafting benefits that Bouchard observed in her youth.

“I grew up in Appalachia going to craft fairs with my grandmother and spending hours-on-end crafting with her,” Bouchard recalled.

Over time, she came to realize that crafting fostered conversation, connections and a sense of accomplishment.

“I wanted to develop a program that provided students with the benefits of crafting that I had observed,” she said.

Today, Bouchard’s vision has become a reality, reaping benefits for OHIO students.

Elizabeth Mullins, a sophomore studying psychology, learned about Marti and Stewie Craft Night as a first-year student and attends the program regularly. Mullins said craft night has helped her to manage stress and maintain balanced mental health while connecting with peers. She credits the program as a key to her persistence at OHIO.

Local and University organizations frequently collaborate with the Marti and Stewie team, enabling students to explore other cultures and campus organizations. The Omani Student Association, Better Bystanders organization, and Native American Heritage Month have been featured through crafts. Local Athens hospice organizations have also been recipients of donated crafts, such as tissue box covers and vases decorated by students.

Bouchard credits the program’s continued success to the consistent support of Resident Director Cathy Murphy. Murphy has been the advisor of the program since its inception, providing support, encouragement and expertise in managing a student program.

“Cathy’s enthusiasm was simply contagious,” Bouchard said. “She had, and still has, a unique connection to students, a way of getting students to see their potential and how they make an impact on those around them and (within) the greater community.”

For more information, follow the Marti and Stewie Craft Night team on Twitter, @martiANDstewie.