Members of Ferris State University’s Public Relations Student Society of America are
getting practical experience that also is benefiting a Big Rapids business.
The Ferris chapter, made up mostly of Public Relations majors, has partnered with ArtWorks to publicize its Open Art Night event. The monthly happening is an outreach to Ferris students organized by the non-profit arts group.
That’s what made the partnership a good fit, said ArtWorks manager Mary Morgan. Ferris’ PRSSA, which works with clients to plan and promote events, manage social media accounts and generate publicity, is helping Morgan build ArtWorks’ presence at Ferris.
“PRSSA has been the leading cause of success,” Morgan said. “Since we started in October, our attendance has been great, and the team has had fantastic ideas. Sixteen students attended the first Open Art Night. In November, we had over 40. We attribute this success to Ferris PRSSA.”
Participation at Open Art Night is a way for students to break away from studying and “create,” Morgan said.
“Ferris students can play around with any of the supplies in Artworks’ studio,” said Natalie Bycraft, a member of PRSSA’s Artworks team. “This place is a great source of Big Rapids culture.”
To help Artworks build its visibility, the student team manages daily Facebook and Twitter posts, and occasional posts to Instagram, Bycraft said, adding that “this experience is valuable to me, because I’m considering going into the art industry once I graduate.”
Artworks’ next Open Art Night for Ferris students is 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 at its studio, 106 N. Michigan Ave. Students who attend for the first time get free admission with a coupon from PRSSA; returning students pay $6. All supplies are provided, and snacks are included.
Future events are Feb. 12, March 12 and April 9, all Tuesday nights.