MTSU Phi Kappa Phi supports watercolor, coloring night for Ables Recreation Association

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Chapter 246 of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Middle Tennessee State University partnered with Ables Recreation Association Inc. to host a Watercolor and Coloring Book Night on Valentine’s Day, providing a creative and inclusive community experience for special-needs children and adults.

Ables Recreation Association is a nonprofit that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing recreational and social opportunities that foster connection, independence and community engagement.

Two young participants with the Ables Recreation Association put their artistic skills to work during the Watercolor and Coloring Book Night on Valentine’s Day co-hosted by the association and Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 246 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Submitted photo)

“We had a fantastic time painting,” said Ashley Manning, vice president and board member with Ables Recreation. “It’s nice to have events or activities that allow our kids, who may not fit in or be comfortable at larger, public events, to have a space to explore and create — to just be kids.”

Ten participants with special needs took part in the event, which offered an evening of art-based fellowship in a supportive environment inside MTSU’s Academic Classroom Building.

The event was organized by Brian Maxwell, PKP Chapter 246 student council president and adjunct professor in MTSU’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media. Maxwell describes the project as a meaningful culminating experience in his student service journey at MTSU.

“As a member of Phi Kappa Phi, I took an oath to ‘let the love of learning rule humanity.’ For me, those words speak to something far greater than textbooks and lectures,” said Maxwell. “I believe true learning unfolds when we take our knowledge outside the classroom to serve our community.”

These watercolor books, standard coloring books, crayons, and refreshments purchased by Chapter 246 of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., await use by participants at the Watercolor and Coloring Book Night on Valentine’s Day co-hosted by PKP and the Ables Recreation Association, a nonprofit that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Submitted photo)

The MTSU chapter purchased watercolor books, standard coloring books, crayons, and refreshments. Chapter president and national president-elect, Philip E. Phillips, praised the initiative.

Dr. Philip Phillips, University Honors College associate dean and professor of English — Dr. Philip Phillips

“In addition to recognizing the academic achievements of its members and supporting the love of learning through its scholarship programs, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is dedicated to the service of others,” said Phillips. “Our chapter is proud to support this student-led initiative.”

Maxwell said he organized this event with the mindset that learning lives and thrives in moments of shared creativity. Adding, “I saw this truth come alive as my new friends with special needs taught me compassion and patience through art and recreation. The ability to spark fellowship through service is a priceless blessing in my life.”

For more information about MTSU’s Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, visit pkp.mtsu.edu.

— Robin E. Lee (robin.e.lee@mtsu.edu)