ISP Art & Soul

ISP Art-and-Soul is a monthly affinity space for international students and allies, offering hands-on experiences designed to empower us to explore and express ourselves through a variety of creative outlets. Whether through visual art, storytelling, music, movement, or multimedia projects, ISP Art-and-Soul provides a safe and inclusive space where we can discover, share, and connect. Each session focuses on a different medium — such as painting, pottery, creative writing, crafting, drumming, or other — and encourages participants to create, reflect, and collaborate. Guided by student facilitators and local artists, thinkers, and change-makers.

Painting w/Jieyu
OCTOBER 15 Wednesday | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | CSS 2nd Floor Common Area
Learn to paint with guest artist, Jieyu (PhD student, Neurobiology). All materials provided. No artistic skill needed. This is a judgment-free zone! RSVP to help us plan for food and supplies. The paintings below, by Jieyu, will be our inspiration pieces for our intro to painting!

Crafternoon
JULY 8 Tuesday | 12:00 - 2:00 PM | CSS 2nd Floor Common Area
Express your creativity by decorating small vases with paints, collage materials, and your own unique flair! Take home a handmade souvenir. No experience needed – just bring your imagination!

Games + Pizza + Popsicles
AUGUST 20 Wednesday | 5:30 - 7:00 PM | Catalina Central Rec Room
Board games, video games, pizza, and popsicles! Whether you're into strategy, party games, or just want to chill and meet new people, there's something for everyone! Bring a friend or come solo. Let's make the most of these last summer nights.

Spring Picnic
APRIL 16 Wednesday | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | CSS 2nd Floor Common Area
Picnic with ISP to celebrate the arrival of spring and welcome new ISP staff member, Tong An! This indoor picnic features delicious fried chicken, vegan hot dogs, corn on the cob, and apple pie! Come to connect, unwind, and kick off the spring season.

Breakfast with President Rosenbaum
MAY 13 Tuesday | 8:30 - 9:30 AM | CSS 2nd Floor Common Area
ISP is serving up delicious made-to-order "frutas" - fresh fruit with chamoy sauce and tajin. Plus, Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum will share remarks on the importance of international students at Caltech, because you are our VIP – Very Important People! At ISP, we recognize the impact that immigration uncertainty has had on our campus community and beyond. This special breakfast event celebrates how special YOU are!

Collage Expression: Exploring Emotions & Creative Problem-Solving Through Visual Art
JANUARY 24 Friday | 4:30 – 6:30 PM | CSS 2nd Floor Common Area
Letting your intuition guide you, Discover how layering images, colors, and textures can help unlock fresh perspectives, find innovative solutions, and spark inspiration. Create a meaningful collage that reflects your emotions and ideas. Special Guest Lecturer: Scarlit Bloome, Associate Professor, ArtCenter College of Design.

Drumming for Connection: Interactive Djembe
FEBRUARY 19 Wednesday | 12 - 1 PM | CSS 2nd Floor Common Area
Grammy-winning artist Danny Petersen leads this energizing and stress-relieving interactive drumming session. Whether you're navigating the challenges of being away from home, tackling academic pressures, or just seeking a fun way to unwind and build community, this event is for you! No musical experience required! This hands-on session will have you tapping, drumming, and grooving in no time!

Unlock the Power of Communication: Theater Workshop for Non-Actors
MARCH 7 Friday | 4:30 – 6:30 PM | CSS 2nd Floor Common Area
Brian Brophy, Director of Caltech Theater Arts (TACIT), we guide us through basic performative elements to improve communication, physical presence, vocal expressiveness and confidence. With a special focus on scientists and engineers, we will use storytelling techniques to connect with your audience. Just bring your curiosity and discover the power within you!

ISP Team Impact Award Celebration
DECEMBER 5 | 1 – 3 PM | CSS Lobby
ISP received the great honor of the 2024 Team Impact Award, given by Caltech Human Resources who received numerous nominations from students and alumni. We were absolutely thrilled to receive this award, because we know it comes from you – the people whom we (Daniel and Laura) have served for more than 14 years together at Caltech. This celebration includes yummy treats and special gifts for all international students who stop by the party on this day. We thank you for your support of the work we do, but most importantly, we thank you for your friendship and for the positivity you bring to our lives both personally and professionally.

Post-Election Breakfast
NOVEMBER 6 | 8:45 – 10:00 AM | CSS 2nd Floor Common Area
At ISP, we vote for you! We will be ready to listen to your questions and concerns around U.S. elections. Whatever the results of the election, let's come together to connect, talk, eat, and honor you – the incredible international student community at Caltech. Serving pumpkin pancakes and more!

Pumpkin Decorating
OCTOBER 23 | 12 – 1 PM | CSS 2nd Floor Common Area
Get in the Halloween spirit by painting and decorating pumpkins. Pumpkins and supplies provided, and you get to take your creations home!