The IU Arts and Humanities Council hosted its first of a series of Winter Holiday Arts Markets on Thursday at the Gayle Karch Cook Center Grand Hall in Maxwell Hall.
The market featured several local artists, some of whom were students, set up in a large open room directly inside Maxwell Hall. The items for sale were mostly handmade and included a variety of fine art prints, ceramics, handmade clothing, jewelry, crocheted stuffed animals and stickers. A significant portion of the artwork featured also included impressions of animals and flowers in a variety of styles. One table boasted prints of black and white crows with ink calligraphy, while two tables featured bright and bold block designs of tigers and worms. Another used many colors in their detailed, fish-themed paintings.
Besides the vendors, the event included other features for attendees, including free soy-based hot chocolate and a table dedicated to making paper snowflakes Students could then use the snowflakes they made to, as the sign read, help decorate the fireplace in Maxwell Hall. Between the soft glow of the tea tree lights, the warm oak floors, the quiet Christmas music playing and the relaxed attendees, the event brought a cozy atmosphere in contrast to the brisk sub-20 degree temperature outside.
According to event coordinator and vendor Bethany Habegger the market attendance has grown since its first occurrence last year
“We’ve definitely gained more of an audience,” she said. “They were just outside previously, but now we’ve really expanded it and have opened more markets.”
One thing that Habegger believes makes this event so special is that it is free.
“There aren’t many free markets available. Usually you have to pay a fee for a lot of markets like this,” Habegger said. “So it’s been a nice opportunity for students especially; we've gotten a lot of students who haven’t (sold at markets) like this before, and they’ve been able to try stuff out. It’s been a nice opportunity for people in the community.”
Lexie Prat, a vendor selling handmade illustrations and ceramics, said what she enjoyed about the market most was the community feeling it incited.
“I've had a lot of people coming by and buying things for their holiday gifts, which was really wonderful,” Prat said. “I think it's really nice to know that people are gifting things that are made by people in the community and made by people from (IU). And I think it's nice to know that there's that shared communal experience of passing things along to people that exist in the same area that you do.”
The market’s community impact was an idea shared by Kelsey Gault, an IU student and vendor selling ceramic creations and small fine art prints.
“I think it helps bring the townies and the students together a lot,” Gault said. “Every time I sell here, I see a lot of people from the community (or students) come in, and I see a lot of people interacting. It's really nice to see.”
Both Gault and Prat also mentioned they enjoyed being able to meet and connect to other artists at the market as well. Attendees seemed to enjoy themselves as well; even during lulls in attendance, many of those attending were purchasing goods.
Given that the market is an extension of First Thursdays, it will be held until April. According to Habegger, the next Winter Holiday Arts Market will be held around Valentines Day in February. One will be held in March and then First Thursdays will resumeat the Fine Arts Plaza in April. Any interested vendors can apply for a space on the council website. More information about the market can be found on their website.
Editor’s note: Kelsey Gault is an illustrator for the Indiana Daily Student.
