By RyAnne Steffen – As the holidays approach, the Morningside community may be searching for one-of-a-kind gifts for the special someones in their lives. Thankfully, the art department is hosting a unique art-for-sale event from Nov. 10-12, 1-5 p.m., allowing anyone to purchase art created by students, staff, and faculty.
Associate Professor of Art, Shelby Prindaville, encourages all members of the Morningside community to contribute, allowing others to grasp the multifaceted identities individuals may have. “I think everyone potentially is an artist… It’s a thing where it could be your profession, or it could be your hobby, but it’s something where I think one of the goals at Morningside, education-wise, is embracing lifelong learning and being a person who is capable of many things. We’re a liberal arts school, right? We’re not just a very specific track, so I think getting to see different sides of folks who you might only know in their very strict professional capacity could be really cool.”
When asked about the connection between the community and the department, Prindaville commented on how the sale strengthens these connections. “I think it really does, actually more than people might initially realize, and I think in part it’s because I encourage everyone who wants to put work in, and so I am always discovering new artists. To me, they were artists the whole time, right? But like people bring stuff, and they’ll be like, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you had this, like practice.’”
One example, Dr. Anni Moore, Associate Professor of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, has contributed several cyanotypes available for sale. Prindaville believes that similar instances can forge new connections in and outside of the classroom.
These pieces include reproductions and originals, ranging from static works like paintings to wearable items such as jewelry and stickers. The best part? When you purchase a work of art, you support the artist directly, with the proceeds returning to them. Not only are you checking your shopping list off, but you are also supporting the talent of artists within our community.
Prindaville says this is a great opportunity to support students, staff, and faculty in their art careers, adding that purchasing an individual’s work can be life-changing for the artist. “I think we sometimes, especially now with like, the ubiquity of AI and places like Temu and Shein, there’s a lot of things that people can buy that don’t contribute to the welfare of their community or the people around them, or the environment, and like, these things are all what’s offered downstairs. It’s all very local, homemade, like supporting people you actually know, and often has a story that you yourself might connect with…you recognize the materials, you recognize the subject because we’re in the same community. I think that can be really heartwarming to get to purchase something that connects to you and connects to your community further. ”
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