Annual art sale to fund future scholarships

In Building 13 on the second floor, a crowd of students and community members will be seen perusing artwork for sale.
The annual sale will feature paintings, printmaking, collages, drawing, photography and ceramics.
The first sale in May, 14 years ago, was so popular that Robert Coates, associate professor with the Art Department, decided to add another one around the winter holidays.
He said that one sale wasn’t enough because of its high success rate.
Twenty percent of all proceeds made at the sale goes to fund scholarships for future art students. The other 80 percent goes to the student.
“The scholarships are given to deserving students who present portfolios of their work,” Coates said. “Because I like to see my students succeed.”
Over the years, thousands of dollars in scholarship money have been raised.
Coates said the art sale is not about who can sell the most artwork, but about the valuable skills that students learn. The most important skill taught is about being a professional artist.
“The students communicate with each other and with customers about the art work. Each participating student must volunteer to share labor and sales accounting procedures,” Coates said. “The art sale facilitates teamwork and communication between students and teaches how to become professional artists.”
The spring sale takes place in Building 13. The days and hours of operation are May 1, 10 a.m-4 p.m., May 2, 10 a.m-4 p.m. and May 3, 10 a.m-2 p.m.
The sale is open to the public.
“At the student sale, anybody can purchase the work,” said Gallery Coordinator Pat McClelland. “There is quality work.”
The sale gives students the opportunity to showcase their skills and talent. With a talented student body, Coates looks forward to another year of creativity.
“The semi-annual student sale showcases the quality work being produced by students in the Art Department at Sinclair,” McClelland said. “It provides an opportunity for art devotees to acquire original work, at reasonable prices, while also funding the fine arts scholarship program.”