The 2012 Annual Student Art Sale will return to Sinclair Community College early this November, offering art students an opportunity to showcase their work, give and get feedback and of course, make some money.
All Sinclair Tartans and community members are welcome to the sale in Building 13, Second Floor Atrium. The sale will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6 and Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All of the artwork will be student-made, and art students are encouraged to submit any works of art that reflect the varying aspects of curriculum within the Art Department.
The sale, accepting cash or check only, will feature a range of works that can include ceramics, sculpture, paintings, prints, photographs and computer art.
“It’s like going into a gift shop,” art student Terri Perkins said. “It’s a good representation of what we make here and what we’re taught.”
Robert Coates, associate professor in the Art Department and this year’s sale coordinator, said past Student Art Sales usually featured about 20 students’ work, with each student presenting about 20 pieces.
“It gives students a chance to price their work and to sell it, and that’s probably one of the most difficult things for an artist to do,” Coates said. “It gives them a chance to interact with the public and talk about their work. If [students] want to make money being an artist, they have to figure out how to do this, and the sale certainly helps in that direction.”
Coates said that artists are encouraged to keep in mind that fellow students and faculty make up a majority of the buyers and to set art prices accordingly, but he also mentioned that the number of visitors from outside Sinclair has been growing over the years.
Coates said that 80 percent of the student sales go back to the artist, but 20 percent is set aside and invested in a student scholarship for Art majors and estimates that over $15,000 has been generated and put into that scholarship over the past 14 years.
Joyce Ahmad, Sinclair student who takes art courses recreationally, has submitted art in the sale for several years and said she is interested in selling her work not only to help give to the Sinclair art fund, but to raise money for a personal charity that helps financially fragile people’s pets.
Ahmad recognized that students sell art for different reasons.
Mark Flach, a Fine Art major with an emphasis in Photography will be submitting photography and a collage in this year’s sale. He believes the major benefit for students comes with simply getting involved with the possibility of selling some work. He said is excited about getting his work displayed along with other students’ art and possibly getting some feedback.
“There is a tremendous amount of talent in the arts here at Sinclair,” Flach said. “I would recommend anyone who is in the art program to be involved in these events as much as possible. Share your work with others and be inspired by others. And don’t worry if you think your work is not perfect. As artists, most of us are our own worst critics. I would suggest you put those thoughts aside and let others view your work. You will probably be surprised by the response.”