Winter art sale, Empty Cups fundraiser to benefit community, students

Northwest students and employees are invited to visit Northwest's winter art sale and Empty Cups event Nov. 20-21. Patrons may purchase a variety of artwork created by Northwest art students. (Northwest Missouri State University photo)

Northwest Missouri State University’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts will host its annual winter art sale Friday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 21.

The art sale, which features a variety of art created by students, is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 20 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 21 in the foyer of the Fire Arts Building, located south of the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building. Patrons will find a variety of pottery, cups, bowls and lidded jars, originally designed t-shirts, jewelry as well as small edition prints.

Proceeds from the art sale help students pay for materials and provide funding for special projects that support the art program at Northwest.

“This is an important profession-based learning experience for our students,” Veronica Watkins, an assistant professor of art, said. “They get to make, promote and merchandise their artwork and then watch it go out into the world.

“Creating a connection between the artist and the audience through a handmade artwork is refreshing in these times where we have become so reliant on the virtual. We did not get to have our sale in the spring, so I sense the buzz of excitement in the studio because they once again have a receiving end for their visual communication.”

Art students’ annual Empty Cups fundraiser coincides with the art sale. Patrons are invited to purchase a handmade ceramic cup from a designated table and fill it with a beverage. A portion of Empty Cup proceeds are donated to the Maryville Ministry Center and Northwest’s Bearcat Food Pantry.