Over 50 artistic students gathered around the Magic Stones on Nov. 8 to sell their art to passing students. The artists were participating in the Autumn Festival Art Market put on by the Humanities Collective and sold original art pieces to students and faculty.
The art market originated in 2021 and occurs once a semester, giving students the opportunity to showcase and sell their art to fellow peers. Ryan Lorente, first-year biology major, sold decoupage shells — jewelry holders in the shape of shells. To him, the art market provided a new opportunity to get his art seen by the public.
“It’s my first time selling my own art, and I was really happy the school had something like that,” Lorente said. “A lot of people gave me advice, especially because they’ve done art like mine before, about how I could do things better in the future.”
A wide variety of artwork was sold at the art market. From crochet accessories to a painted guitar, each student brought their own unique items for purchase. Students Dalex Zenteno and Sarah Reese even gave an impromptu music performance.
Olive Irons, junior environmental studies major, sold framed bone art where she combined real bones found on her family ranch and moss.
In addition to her bone art, Irons also sold glass paintings, jewelry, keychains and resin cultures. While she prepared weeks in advance for the art market, she also sold items from previous markets and art she’s made in the past.
“Sometimes I dig through my art stuff and I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m not into this anymore. Maybe someone else will be,’” Irons said. “I love making art in my spare time, and I have no storage for it. You might as well turn a profit if you’re not attached to something.”
Irons sold most of her art, with mostly the larger and more expensive pieces such as the glass art remaining. According to Irons, this year was her most successful year yet.
“I sold more than I probably did in the last three art markets,” Irons said. “I think I’m starting to learn what gets sold and what people are interested in.”
Similarly to Irons, Mya Miller, first-year neuroscience major, also had a great success with her own jewelry. This was Miller’s first time participating in the art market, and she sold out of nearly everything.
“I just really liked being able to make crafts and see people enjoy them as much as I did,” Miller said.
Miller gave advice to any students planning to sign up for the art market in the future.
“Make more than you think you need, because it probably will sell out,” Miller said.
