The Legendary Student Art Sale!
From September to May at Emily Carr University, amongst student exhibitions and lectures by world-renowned artists, scholars and visionaries, there are two events that transform our campus and bring a certain level of excitement, anticipation and energy within the City of Vancouver. They are The Show – an exhibition by our graduating student population held annually in May, and the Student Art Sale. Correction, make that the “Legendary” Student Art Sale!
Now in it's 41st year, the Legendary Student Art Sale (SAS) includes artwork from 150 students, which means there is something for everyone! Purchasers can select from a wide assortment of disciplines including original paintings, photographs, prints, ceramics, sculptures, wearable works, housewares and more…
Collectors, art lovers and more stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they view the offerings of art by up-and-coming students. Last year more than 3,000 individuals came to Emily Carr University for the SAS! As should be expected, the motto Buy More Art! is taken quite seriously by participants of the SAS, as they peruse artworks filled floor to ceiling in our Concourse Gallery. Over the years, this is what has made the sale legendary.
However, the legendary Student Art Sale actually started out with humble beginnings. It was first imagined by ceramics and printmaking students as the Print and Pot Sale, which students organized entirely on their own. However, by the mid-90s, Emily Carr administration approached the students with the idea of being more inclusive (after a number of requests from painting students), to include all areas of the school. This idea was met with resistance the first year and as a compromise, Advancement (then Foundation + Development) agreed to organize the event so as to accommodate students from all disciplines.
During this time, there were between 100 and 120 students who participated in the sale and each student was obliged to help set-up, take-down and volunteer during the sale. This rule remains to this day, as each participating student must be involved with the sale beyond just selling his or her work. The sale has always been a student run event and this year is no exception. Each year a Coordinator is hired to help organize the event and organize the student volunteers. This year, that dedicated individual is Marlene Madison.
Of course, trying to make each year more successful than the last means students need to become more resourceful and creative during a time that is already hectic, both inside and out of school. Kilns are running, paint and ink needs to dry and various items need to be produced, mounted and packaged! One of the successes for this year actually took place behind the scenes as new online registration process was developed and implemented for the first time, making the process much easier for students to implement.
This year, along with RBC Wealth Management, the Emily Carr Alumni Association is sponsoring the three-day event. It was with their assistance that the new registration process became what it is due to their hosting of the SAS online registration system for students. The Alumni Association is also participating in the event by arranging an educational information table that offers patrons of the sale an opportunity to participate in THE BIG Idea Capital Campaign and learn more about our Alumni Association.
Admission to the sale is free! So, please join us in the Concourse Gallery on Friday, November 28 from noon to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday, November 29 and 30, from noon to 5pm!