Winter art sale, Empty Cups fundraiser to benefit community

Patrons visited the Department of Fine and Performing Arts' art sale last spring. The Department will host its winter art sale Dec. 2-3 in the Fire Arts Building in conjunction with its Empty Cups event. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

Northwest Missouri State University’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts will host its annual winter art sale Thursday, Dec. 2, and Friday, Dec. 3, in concurrence with its Empty Cups fundraiser.

The art sale, which features a variety of art created by students, is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3 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, small edition prints and other handmade items.

“The significance of the art show and sale is that it is a profession-based learning experience for our students,” Veronica Watkins, an assistant professor of ceramics, said.  “Students create artwork from start to finish, then promote it, merchandise it and meet the public during the selling process. It is a great way to connect the maker with the community and get some wonderful, affordable art into the hands of an audience where it can really be appreciated.”

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

The Empty Cups fundraiser is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2-3 on the second floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union. Patrons are invited to purchase handmade ceramic cups with hot chocolate. A portion of Empty Cup proceeds are donated to the Maryville Ministry Center and Northwest’s Bearcat Food Pantry. 

“This fundraiser is very important, especially during the pandemic, as lots of people are struggling with food insecurity, and raising money for food pantries can help those people in need,” Ashleigh Erickson, the Clay Club president said.

For more information about Empty Cups or the art sale, contact Watkins at watkins@nwmissouri.edu.