The Tarble Arts Center will remain open for an after-hours Harry Potter themed party 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday in the Tarble atrium.

Rehema Barber, the director of the Tarble, said students who attend can see the gallery, do an art project, have some food and listen to music.

The Tarble staff wants to engage the student body with the idea that the Tarble is not just oriented toward academics, but is also available for fun activities, Barber said.

Barber said the staff started these after-hours events last year, and the staff came up with themes for each after-hours party.

“The first time we did it was October around this time last year,” Barber said.

This year, Barber said the Tarble staff thought it would be appropriate to do a Harry Potter themed party to tie in with the theme at Booth Library.

She said students can get sorted into a Hogwart’s house, take photos with other members from their house and play in a quidditch tournament.

The party will also have regular games to play such as chess, Uno, checkers and card games. Barber said someone will also be reading tarot cards.

“We will have food. We always make sure we feed you guys,” she said.

The after-hour party is a mash up of a costume party and a Harry Potter themed event, so the staff encourages attendees to wear their best Harry Potter gear, Barber said.

“I think that you guys don’t always come here unless it’s for class,” she said. “We want to see you outside of class, so that’s why we are doing these after-hours events.”

This student-focused party will include a costume contest and prizes.

Barber said the staff of Tarble tries to collaborate with various student organizations to create themes and include as many RSOs as possible.

“I hope that we see lots of EIU students from different segments of the community,” Barber said. “You don’t have to be a Harry Potter fan to come.”

Barber said she expects it to be a fun time to hang out with friends.

Kennedy Nolen can be reached at 581-2812 or at kdnolen@eiu.edu