Affirming student artists

    I believe in sharing art because I think it helps expand, initiate, and inspire creative thinking.
    Buying art directly from the artist, you support the talents and resources of your community. To me, supporting local artists is as important as supporting local farmers. The best way to do this on campus is to participate in the Student Art Sale on Reading Day, Monday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Union hallway. The Student Art Sale is a Goshen tradition that has been taking place for more than 35 years.
    Participating in the Student Art Sale affirms the value of working, learning artists. While I strongly believe in the value of appreciating well-established artists, I find it more important to show interest in artists with whom you can interact. In doing so, both groups’ artistic experiences and perceptions expand.
    Art students at Goshen College should participate in the Student Art Sale because it strengthens the credibility of the art department and their own confidence in their work. I would like to encourage all art students to bring your work to the Student Art Sale to give the campus community more reason to participate. Though the Art Sale is often limited to ceramics, it does not have to be. We have talented jewelers, drawers, painters, graphic designers, sculptors, and photographers in addition to our ceramicists. Also, I encourage students to trade art between each other and - without devaluing your effort - price pieces affordably to promote conversations and interest in your work.
    To me, artwork from my peers is a stronger symbol of my college experience than any other memento with the GC logo. Seniors, What would be a better way to remember your time at Goshen than choosing something for your wall or table made by a friend? This is something you will always cherish.
    Even if you don’t intend to purchases something at the Student Art Sale, you are welcome to look and in that way participate in the Goshen art community.

Melanie is a Senior Art Education major from Bellefontaine, Ohio.