Amy Poehler popularized Galentine’s Day back in 2010 on a now-famous episode of “Parks and Recreation.” While Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day, a day to be spent as a couple, Feb. 13 is Galentine’s Day, a day focusing on the bonds of friendships among women.

In this spirit, many restaurants, cafes and galleries host events for the occasion. Groups are welcome to spend time together, celebrating their friendships. With this in mind, SUArt Galleries has launched its own Galentine’s Day event.

On Thursday, Feb. 13, between 12-3:00 p.m. at the Shaffer Art Building, students and staff can admire art and craft with their friends.

Emily Dittman, associate director and organizer of the event, said that the initiative came together during a team meeting with SUArt Galleries. The team’s objective was to seek out ways to reach new audiences. It concluded that it wanted to highlight the therapeutic nature of art on the mind and soul. Through this, SUArt Galleries began designing the event.

“We thought it may be nice to give a mental wellness opportunity,” Dittman said. “Crafts were suggested, and we thought of Galentine’s Day activities.”

There are no special Galentine’s Day exhibits, but Dittman said she has planned social media posts that will connect to both Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day. Dittman added that they have a number of pieces in their permanent collection by couples who were artists, as well as depictions of love — whether family, friends, partners or pets.

Other venues around Syracuse are hosting Galentine’s Day events. From 5-8 p.m., Peaks Coffee is hosting a carnival, featuring local woman-owned businesses from Syracuse. The event is in support of the Happy Period of Syracuse and is free of charge.

Happy Period aims to provide menstrual hygiene products to people in need around the city. The organizers are asking that attendees bring a product to be donated, such as underwear, hygiene wipes, tampons or pads.

“It’s going to be right here in the cafe” Mallory Sawyer of Peaks Coffee said. “We have six vendors. There’s someone with jewelry, there’s someone who sells plants and flowers, and then we’re going to have a special menu that night. And we’re just asking for donations to be donated to Happy Period.”

Emily Steinberger | Design Editor

Its special menu includes drinks that will be launched on the day, as well as vegan waffles in honor of the original creator of Galentine’s Day, Poehler’s character Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation.” The waffles are an homage to Knope, who loved them in the show.

Meanwhile, Laci’s Tapas Bar on Hawley Avenue is also having a Galentine’s-themed event. The tickets, which costs $50, support the American Heart Association. The event is from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The ticket is all-inclusive and comes with two drink tickets for the bar’s special Go Red Sangria and unlimited tapas.

The decision to raise money for the American Heart Association is more personal than some might think, said reservation coordinator Cara Mullen. The owner of Laci’s, Laura Serway, is deeply involved in the American Heart Association and is a chairperson for the local Go Red for Women Group. She explained it is part of the larger Valentine’s Day theme.

Mullen said that women’s heart health felt right because of the association of Valentine’s Day and hearts and the fact that Laci’s is celebrating women with its event.

Laci’s will also have massage therapists, tarot card readers and a reiki specialist. There will be a pop-up shop from Gypsy Freedom clothing & accessories, with 10% of proceeds also going to the cause.

“This is about all the girlfriends you have in your life,” Mullen said. “It’s a ladies celebrating ladies event.”

Published on February 12, 2020 at 10:55 pm