RMIT University Chaplaincy complemented the O-Week theme of "Finding your Feet Fast" by staging its second "Path to Paradise" event as part of the O-Week Festival.

The first in the series of events creating ephemeral art was conducted in September with the aim of creating a series of artworks that will define a pathway leading to the Spiritual Centre - a paradise in the heart of the University that can be seen as a stress-free, quiet place for student and staff reflection.

In O-Week, Arfa Kalok (a Master of Arts - Art in Public Spaces student), soon had a large contingent of willing student helpers attracted by intricate designs and vividly coloured rice, who helped complete the designs that Ms Kalok had stencilled.

By the end of the day, students from the RMIT community had worked together to create seven colourful designs - a task that would have taken one artist a few days to complete.

Reverend Dr Ruwan Palapathwala, Senior University Chaplain, said: "This is a great activity that encourages students to work together as a team to create something that truly represents the essence of the Chaplaincy.

"In particular, the University's marvellous facility that is the Spiritual Centre: a quiet oasis amid the bustle of University life."

The third Path to Paradise events is planned for Thursday, 8 April, (11am to 2pm) when the designs will continue along University Way towards the Spiritual Centre.

The final event will be staged in the courtyard of the Spiritual centre (Building 11) on Thursday, 29 April, (11am to 2pm), when the rice designs will be enhanced by silk batik floral creations.

Again RMIT community participation is essential and all are most welcome to attend.

Source: RMIT University http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=85g45x2j567e1;STATUS=A