The Scarlet Scribes: Embracing Collaboration

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The Scarlet Scribes have had a strong focus on collaboration this semester. Their Song-Writing Workshop, which was held on March 26, and their Student Art Gallery in April are focused on celebrating student creativity. The Song-Writing Workshop, which was followed by an Open Mic and Karaoke Night was held in the Campus Center’s Executive Meeting Room and was in collaboration with Active Minds.

Mia Morris, the president of the Scarlet Scribes, describes her love of collaboration with other Rutgers–Camden clubs. She credits an openness and great chemistry with other presidents of other clubs for strong collaboration: “That’s actually how I ended up collabing with The Gleaner, as well last semester, and the Criminal Justice Org this semester… We stay busy!” For their March event, Morris connected with Violett Springate, the president of Active Minds.

Morris and Springate bring different creative strengths that balance the Song-Writing Workshop. Morris highlights how this collaboration will assist in the workshop: “She is a musician,” Morris said. “She’s going to help you with finding the right tune, melody, beat… then my job is to help you figure out the words.” Morris also notes how many of the individual members of the E-board for the Scarlet Scribes have had multiple works published, plus credits Springate as a seasoned performer. The event also had food catered, as well as other activities, such as a photo op and making friendship bracelets, while students are not working on their songs.

Additionally, Morris is very excited about the Student Art Gallery that the Scarlet Scribes will host in April. This event is not in collaboration with other specific clubs, but more in collaboration with any students who are interested in participating. This gallery is not just meant for written work, but any type of art that students would like to showcase: “I want your paintings, I want your sculptures, … I want those beautiful pieces of art you hide in your room.” The Student Art Gallery will also feature live performances by students who would like to do so. The Student Art Gallery is meant for all students with showcase-ready works of art. It will be the last event the Scarlet Scribes host for this semester.

When it comes to the process of writing, Morris and the graphic designer of the Scarlet Scribes, Alana Weil, heavily emphasize how writing not only is a medium of self-expression and reflects self-experience, but can be strongly influenced by others. For Weil, listening to others’ work benefits her future projects: “…I see everybody’s writing as a form of inspiration for new ideas … I like the way this one person wrote, and I will take that as a source of inspiration…” for writing her next piece.

Sharing artwork and personal pieces may make some people very nervous or shy. However, Weil states that the energy for the Scarlet Scribes events is more encouraging than nerve-racking. Weil further explains, “I would say the energy for each event is pretty high because, at the end, everybody is coming together, sharing their talents, and just having a good time.” She and Morris also note that the Scarlet Scribes offer a creative outlet and personal expression separate from academic pressure.

The Song-Writing Workshop/Open Mic Night and Student Art Gallery are the last two events for this semester. More information will be released later regarding the Student Art Gallery in April.