Students Embrace Henna Art at ISU AfterDark Workshop

A recent henna workshop at Iowa State University (ISU) attracted a large number of students eager to explore this traditional art form. Held on March 15, 2024, as part of the ISU AfterDark program in the Memorial Union, the event was organized collaboratively by the Indian Student Association and the International Student Council. Running from 21:00 to 24:00, the workshop featured multiple time slots, which filled quickly as students signed up for the opportunity to create their own henna designs.

Participants began the evening with a brief presentation before receiving materials such as henna pens and stencils. After spending approximately ten minutes crafting their designs, students moved to a designated drying area, allowing their creations to set while preparations were made for the next group. Juventino Leyva Garcia, a first-year graduate student in the Student Affairs program and event committee director for the International Student Council, emphasized the event’s goal. “We provide henna stencils, and then we also provide some examples if they don’t want to follow the stencils,” Garcia explained. “They have 10 minutes to kind of create whatever piece of art they want.”

The workshop aimed to expose participants to cultural practices outside of typical American experiences. Garcia remarked on the significance of such events, stating, “The mission statement of the International Student Council is to provide students of Iowa State a way for them to experience cultures that they don’t see in the United States.”

Henna, a practice rooted in many South Asian cultures, involves applying a paste derived from the henna plant to the skin, resulting in intricate temporary designs. Traditionally, these designs are featured on the hands and feet, with different patterns carrying various meanings across cultures. Pooja Parmar, a junior studying computer science and publicity chair for the Indian Student Association, shared insights into the cultural significance of henna. “It’s used as a way of expression,” Parmar noted. “It’s used to show love and prosperity. A lot of times it’s used for festivals.”

Parmar elaborated on the historical uses of henna, stating, “Henna originated for use in hair to help naturally dye the hair. Slowly, it was moved to use it on your hands as a way of expression. It is like a temporary tattoo.” Once the henna paste dries and is removed, it leaves a stain that can last for one to two weeks.

As participants waited for their henna to dry, many reflected on their personal connections to the art form. Hanna Merit, a junior in computer science who had previously experienced henna at the Iowa State Fair, expressed her fascination with the temporary tattoo aspect. “I’m not rebellious enough to get a tattoo, but I really liked it,” she said.

Freshman Avery Beerman, who is studying pre-architecture, shared her enthusiasm for the creative process involved in henna. “We love crafts, and henna is such a unique art form,” Beerman remarked. “You don’t really have that many opportunities to try it out, so having the opportunity to go in and try out henna, explore a little bit about design work, is really fun.”

ISU AfterDark is a monthly event held on the first Friday of every month, providing students with various activities and experiences. More information about upcoming events is available through the International Student Council’s webpage and the Indian Student Association’s social media platforms. The henna workshop not only highlighted the artistic skills of participants but also fostered a greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural traditions on campus.