For Brandon Paul, a third-year studio art student, selling one of his first pieces of artwork at the USC art department’s annual holiday sale was rewarding.
“It’s cool to help out and see everyone else’s stuff,” Paul said. “I like being a part of the art community and getting involved.”
However, as rewarding as the experience was, the proceeds from the sale of Paul’s artwork won’t be going into his pocket. Instead, he will be giving that money to the printmaking club of which he is a member, as they are trying to raise money to travel to a conference in San Francisco in the spring.
Cynthia Colbert, an art instructor at USC, says she expects that all of the student artists will donate proceeds from their sales.
“The art department keeps nothing, and most students will be giving about 40 percent of what they make to the organization they’re a part of,” Colbert said.
Those organizations each had their own display at the McMaster Gallery, selling ceramics, vases, jewelry and handmade scarves. Each student had different pieces available for purchase, and the unique collections reflected the students’ interests.
Colbert said the annual holiday sale has been a tradition at USC for around 30 years, and people wait for it every year, so they can buy artwork for their homes or as gifts for the upcoming holiday season.
One of those returning customers was Stephanie Kaminer, a graduate of the art department. Kaminer said she comes back every year to see what students are creating. Her favorite pieces this year were ceramic wrinklings created by an artist named Bri.
Business had been a little slower this year, according to Colbert, but she said that may be due to the event being pushed up a few weeks. Normally, the sale is held after Thanksgiving, but with the holiday falling later on the calendar this year, the art department decided to schedule the sale earlier.
“It’s a joyful thing to do at the end of the semester,” Colbert said. “It also breaks barriers between students and faculty and allows us to come together. Students are also able to see us in a different light.”
Colbert expects more people to stop by the sale on Friday, as the annual sale will continue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“It’s a great chance for the community to come and buy artwork from local artists,” Colbert said.