CALGARY – Alberta University of the Arts’ (AUArts) Students’ Association will host its 2019 Fall Show + Sale this weekend.
Over 3,000 pieces of exceptional student artwork will be on display on the campus of the school that was previously known at the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD). The three-day sale, which runs from Nov. 22 -24, raises funds for the AUArts’ Students’ Association and provides emerging artists the opportunity to showcase artwork to the Calgary market.
The show and sale has been running for almost 30 years. Students sign up for the event, it's not mandatory. When a piece of art sells, 75 per cent goes to the artist, with the other 25 per cent going back to the AUArts Students' Association to help pay for the event.
The variety of artwork crosses a number of different mediums, says sales coordinator Mike Hooves.
"We have a bunch of different mediums in the school: jewellry, ceramics, fibre, glass, paintings, drawings, prints, so basically every area of study within the school is submitting their work to the sale," Hooves said in an interview with CTV News.
For students, it's a big confidence boost when one of their works gets purchased at the show.
"I do have bills to pay, but it makes me really happy when someone says that my work catches their eye and they think they can find a perfect home for one of my sculptures, for one of my little cups or bowls," said third-year student Leia Guo.
First year student Kaitlyn Farrell is looking forward to her first show and sale and is excited to meet people coming to look at her creations.
"You have to present yourself to people correctly, you're not saying 'sell yourself' but putting yourself out there so people know what your art is and what your focus is," said Farrell.
Organizers say it's a chance for the public to purchase a piece of art at an affordable price before the artist makes it 'big'.
"If you love it, buy it, because the money is going to a stgudent," said Hooves. "It's helping them pay their student loans and it's helping us to continue running this sale biannually."
"The inclusive price range and variety of quality work created by our students ensures that there is something for everyone."
It's also holiday season, a perfect meeting of supply and demand.
"Supporting local and contributing to Calgary’s art community at the same time are the best ways to celebrate the holiday season," said Marion Garden, AUArts Director of Marketing and Communications. "Show + Sale is great for students and Calgarians, because it gives these artists the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in a public exhibition and market, while giving Calgarian’s access to the next generation of brilliant artists."
More information about the event is available at AUArts Show + Sale
