Art Market highlights MSU talent

Between an impressive engineering school, competitive business school and groundbreaking research, it is easy to get lost in all the wonderful things that MSU has to offer. Among all the majors, the creative arts majors can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. The Ceramics Guild Chili Bowl Sale and the Student Printmakers Association of Montana (SPAM) Screen Printing Party are just two of the events that allow MSU’s artists to share their wonderful work and beautiful minds. On Tuesday, March 3, another show allowed the art students and alumni to not only share their work but also make some money.

Every year there are two art fairs, one in the fall and one in the spring. These art fairs take place in the SUB ballrooms and allow students to check out some amazing art and, if they feel so compelled, take some home with them. The art this spring represented from many different genres and media. While some people took landscape photographs of the immense environments surrounding Bozeman, others decided to paint the landscapes. The show also featured more interactive art, such as designs printed on t-shirts or jewelry that will make your mom swoon. Other students also decided to use the ancient Egyptian artwork of ceramics. Tables full of various bowls and cups lined the front of the market. Different colors, shapes and sizes gave viewers tons of ideas of what these ceramic cups could be used for. 

As students, staff and members of the public wandered through the different displays, they had the opportunity to buy art work. Anything from stickers and pins, to shirts and hats. Prices ranged from free to $950 for a beautiful painting of Lone Peak in Big Sky. Of course, the proceeds go back to the artists that made the pieces of work. As I hopped in line to buy a ceramic mug that caught my eye, the line of people slowly grew. It was really something to see people supporting local artists and their crafts in such a positive environment. 

Among all the wonderful things that MSU is doing, the arts should not be forgotten about. Consider going to the next art show and supporting some amazingly talented art students. If you missed the Student Art Fair, there is no need to fret, as there are so many other art events around campus that can be found on montana.edu/calendar (or in the Haynes Hall bathrooms).