Vampires, witches, wizards, and horror characters gathered on Friday the 13th to support local LGBTQ+ causes while dancing to student bands.
The event was hosted by Art 2 Action, a social justice-centered arts collective that features student musicians and artists at community events to promote social change. The organization hosted an event on Oct. 13 to raise money for local LGBTQ+ mutual aid.
Loyola graduate student Adele Colson said she started Art 2 Action with her friends, Mica DeSimone and Miles Trainor, to support and reunite her community after the pandemic.
“We hosted Friday the 13th this year without any budget and made it happen by pooling equipment and resources from the community- and it was kickass to say the very least,” Colson said.
The event featured Loyola student bands, including Kota Dosa, Feeferella, Tired Eyes, Gatsu, Planet of the Little Green Men, and Kupid.
On the front porch, local art vendors sold their hand-made knits, jewelry, and artwork and offered tarot readings to attendees.
Colson said the Loyola community can expect more festive music and art fundraisers in store.
“If students or anyone in the community is interested in supporting our journey, they can follow us @art2actionco to attend our next event or get involved as an artist, art vendor, or volunteer!” Colson said. “Everyone is welcome.”
“This summer I got into Loyola’s business kickstarter program LaunchU, and that’s how we took Art 2 Action from passion project to business,” Colson said.
Colson was a finalist in the $30,000 LaunchU competition in Sept. but said the judges were business-oriented and didn’t see a profit potential. Colson said she hopes to find investors who are more compatible with the organization’s model.
“We know we have the support from our community, and we will find the right investors who understand our model that doesn’t prioritize profit- we’re here to change the culture,” Colson said.
