Painting a picture of the upcoming Fall Art Market

Twice a year, MSU student and alumni artists gather in the Strand Union Building (SUB) for the Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU) Arts and Exhibits’ Art Market. 

The event has been a tradition for as long as anyone can remember, according to Lara Freeburg, ASMSU’s director of arts and exhibits. She said the market was called the Yule Tide Market until 2015. The name was changed several times after that, but eventually it was renamed the Art Market.

Freeburg said the market has consistently grown over the past few years and continues to get bigger. “In the past couple years, we’ve had between 50 and 60 artists in the Art Market. Last year we had a huge jump in artists, and then this Fall, about 71 people applied — which is the biggest number we’ve ever had,” she said. 

Although this is her first year as the director, Freeburg — a junior graphic design major — said she has participated and shopped at the market since she started at MSU. She said she loves seeing how much it has grown. 

“Seeing artists come back to their booth and seeing that they’ve sold stuff, especially artists who are doing it for the first time — maybe [they] weren’t expecting to sell their art. They’re always so happy,” Freeburg said. “That [is] super inspiring.”

This year, senior art education major Maya Thomas is selling her work at the Art Market for the first time. She is focusing on 3D art, selling ceramics and jewelry at a booth that she will share with her friend. 

Thomas has attended the market many times in the past and said that she is excited to participate. “I love the opportunity to celebrate and support local artists, especially because a lot of people selling there are students,” she said. “As a fellow art student, it's nice to get to support others.” 

Senior graphic design student Emily Mintle said she also loves the market and has participated in it since 2022. Mintle creates fabric art and sells custom gloves and mittens, but at the market, she said she will be selling clothing with screen-printed designs, as well as stickers and prints. 

“When I found out I could sell art at the school, I was really excited,” Mintle said.

She said that the market has enabled her to spread her art and name across campus. “I want to make my name known, and it’s easier this way — through the Art Market,” Mintle said. 

Freeburg said she encourages anyone to apply for the Art Market in the spring. “If you’re an artist and you’re not involved in the School of Art or anything, but you make art for yourself, this is a super good gateway and entry-level market to sell your stuff,” she said. 

The Fall Art Market will take place from Nov. 19 to 20 in SUB Ballroom A. It is a card-only event, but entry is free. To learn more, visit https://www.montana.edu/calendar/events/55718.