Women’s Month Sip ‘n Paint

16 Sep 2024 | By Roxanne Mohunlal
A collection of colorful children’s artwork displayed on a wooden surface, featuring various subjects like landscapes, animals, plants, and abstract designs. Some pieces include motivational text such as ‘BLOOM IN YOUR OWN TIME’ and ‘BE HAPPY BE BRIGHT BE YOU.’
16 Sep 2024 | By Roxanne Mohunlal

In celebration of Women’s Month and in honour of the amazing women in chemistry, the Transformation & Marketing committee hosted a Sip ‘n Paint event on Monday, 2nd September 2024. This was open to all staff and postgraduates within the Department of Chemistry and was well received with close to 40 attendees. 


The purpose of this event was to encourage members of the department to take a moment out of the lab and/or office, to come together to embrace their creative side in a relaxed environment. This was quite a memorable mid-morning occasion and in contrast to the usual Monday blues, we experienced an array of colour, smiles, fun, high energy, delicious food and a strong sense of community spirit.


The Sip ‘n Paint session began with a warm and friendly welcome from the organising committee, Mrs Laa-iqa Rylands, Dr Roxanne Mohunlal and Dr Samantha Douman, who also shared the purpose of this special celebration. The boardroom was transformed into a beautiful and inspiring art studio combining elements of chemistry and art with an added touch of Spring. Many took the opportunity to swap their labware for paint brushes and create stunning works of art which are now displayed within the department. Attendees enjoyed having the opportunity to get creative and paint, whilst enjoying light snacks and drinks. Often, due to the demands of teaching and research, we tend to spend most of our time with a small subset of people within the department and find ourselves saying a fleeting hello to others, in passing. This Sip ‘n Paint event was an excellent space that encouraged networking and collegiality allowing people to connect with different members of the department and forge new connections with ease.  Ms Joanne Polzin very kindly guided the session by sharing painting tips such as how to use primary colours to create your own unique colour palette along with wonderful painting techniques. All attendees were given a token of appreciation comprising a key ring which had a positive affirmation and a sweet treat so that they could have a reminder of this lovely celebration. 


The organising committee extends much thanks and appreciation to the Department of Chemistry for sponsoring this event and to members of staff for their kind sponsorship of items which made this more memorable. Special thanks to Ms Joanne Polzin for sharing her extensive art knowledge and assisting with putting this celebration together as well as to Mr Jonathan McKarthy, Mr Earl Delport, Dr Dalielah Jappie and Mrs Noluthando Ngqanya for their assistance with setting up. Thanks to Ms Maryam Fredericks, Mrs Laa-iqa Rylands and Dr Dalielah Jappie for beautifully capturing many candid moments.

A group of people sitting around a table with food, drinks, and a vase of yellow flowers. The setting is an indoor room with windows and blinds in the background.
An art workshop with tables arranged in a U-shape, covered with paintbrushes, palettes, and watercolor papers. The room is colorful, with paintings on the walls and easels. A green vase with yellow flowers is in the center.
A hand holding a small, rectangular badge with a keychain. The badge reads ‘Women’s Month Celebration 2024’ with colorful abstract designs and a chemistry-related logo. The badge is on a pink fabric surface.
A table set up for a craft or educational activity with a wooden block holding colorful flowers, teacups, a teapot, greenery, paint supplies, printed pictures, oranges, and a blue paper lantern on a tablecloth with text and images.
A buffet table set up for an event with platters of sandwiches, wraps, fruits, and vegetables. Decorative foliage with autumn leaves accents the presentation. A chalkboard and a bottle of orange juice are in the background.
A white platter filled with a variety of fresh fruits, including red and green grapes, pineapple slices, strawberries, blackberries, and mandarin orange segments. In the background, there are fruit skewers and a bowl of nuts or small snacks on a dark surface with white flowers in the upper left corner.
An individual is sitting at a table with a painting of a blue butterfly with yellow and green details on a background of green grass and blue sky, with yellow flowers at the bottom. The table has paintbrushes, a jar of water, and various colors of paint, suggesting an art class or workshop setting.
An individual is sitting at a table covered with newspapers, engaged in painting. Various art supplies, including paint palettes and brushes, are scattered around. In front of the individual is a colorful artwork featuring blue and yellow shapes on paper, suggesting an art class or workshop setting.
A group of individuals engaged in an art activity around a table covered with newspapers. The table has a vase of sunflowers, various painting supplies, personal items, beverages, and snacks, indicating a casual and social atmosphere.
A group of individuals engaged in an art class. The tables are covered with various art supplies, including paint palettes, brushes, and watercolor papers. Some participants are painting, while others are handling different materials or having a snack. The room is bright with natural light coming in from the windows.
A group of people seated around a table with various dishes, beverages, and colorful flowers, in a casual dining setting.
A group of people engaged in a painting activity around a table, with various art supplies like paintbrushes, paints, and palettes visible.
An artist’s workspace with various art supplies, including paint blobs on sheets of paper, a palette with different colors, brushes, a cup of water, and a wooden stool.
A wooden rack holding five small glass vials, each containing water and a single blooming flower, with a table covered in newspaper in the background.
A wooden rack holding five small glass vials, each containing water and a single blooming flower, with a table covered in newspaper in the background.
A pair of hands holding a colorful painting with an abstract design featuring a black silhouette resembling an animal, possibly a cow, with vibrant patterns and drips below. The background includes a table covered with newspapers and art supplies, suggesting an art class or creative workshop.
A cluttered table with a watercolor painting of a window with flowers, an open book, paintbrushes, a palette with multiple colors of paint, cups, a smartphone, fruit, and other miscellaneous items, suggesting a creative workspace.
A painting in progress on a canvas, depicting pink roses in a striped vase, surrounded by painting supplies including brushes, a palette with paint, tissues, and two mugs, suggesting an art workshop or personal creative space.
A group of individuals sitting around a table covered with newspapers, art supplies, and food items like fruits and sandwiches. A vase with sunflowers is in the center. Some people are crafting, while others are eating or conversing. The room has posters on the walls and large windows letting in natural light.
A classroom setting with students sitting around a table covered with a colorful tablecloth, various craft materials, and food items. A plate with food is in the foreground, and students are engaged in activities. Faces are not visible or are obscured for privacy.
Two people smiling.