The UM art and art history departments will host a holiday art sale and auction from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Jackson Avenue Center. The event is free to the public and will feature a wide range of jewelry, ceramics, sculptures, paintings, prints, photos and more created by students and faculty, as well as locally and nationally known artists.
The event begins with cocktail hour from 4 to 6 p.m., where event-goers can drink, eat light appetizers, browse through artwork and bid at the silent auction. Then, from 7 to 9 p.m., there will be a live auction where artwork from faculty, graduate students, alumni and professional artists will be auctioned off.
The money made from the auction will benefit both the art department and the artists.
After collecting art for over a month, Joshua Brinlee, coordinator for the event, assistant art professor and foundation coordinator said the event is different from events in the past because it will be held at the Jackson Avenue Center rather than the department. He said he hopes the change in location will draw in more visitors and consumers and help the event grow in the future.
“I am just excited about the community being able to come in and experience the art department. Not too many people know we are around here,” Brinlee said. “It’s a good outreach. Ultimately, it is to benefit the students.”
Paul Gandy, local photographer and graphic designer, has been helping Brinlee collect art for the event. He will also be auctioning off some of his own work. Gandy said he wants to see students make connections in the art world through the event, and encourages people to come and see what the department has to offer.
“It gives a chance to see the art of the future and to see what we are producing here,” Gandy said.
Many well-known artists showcasing work at the event include Robert Malone, Philip Jackson and Martin Arnold.
Junior art history major Jessie Smith is one of the students selling her own art, as well as some pieces created by her friends, at the show. Smith’s work includes wrapping paper printed with various photographs that she has manipulated into geometric designs in, red, green, white, blue and multicolored prints. She said there is a wide range of price points and sizes of work, so if you don’t want to break the bank on a Picasso, this event is the place to find art to decorate your home or give as a gift.
“Everyone should attend this show because it is a rare opportunity to buy student work and professional work in a setting that is fun, festive and for a good cause,” Smith said.
