Not all entrepreneurs are artists, but all artists must be entrepreneurs. New Mexico State University's Department of Art will host its 40th yearly jewelry sale featuring more than 200 pieces from more than 20 jewelry and metalsmithing students.
The event is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31 at NMSU's Follett bookstore with free two-hour parking available.
The jewelry show is not only a way to showcase student artwork but also an opportunity for students to gain entrepreneurial skills to understand the best ways to sell the art they create.
“In this assignment, our students learn professional practices from advertising, marketing, and team event organization, as well as learning new jewelry making techniques, and how to work in production,” said Motoko Furuhashi, associate professor in the Department of Art. “It may be a challenging, stressful, hardworking process but at the end I see pride on their faces.”
All pieces featured in the sale are one-of-a-kind designs by students in the metalsmithing and jewelry studio.
“My theme is flowers and traditional Mexican flower patterns,” said Alexa Gonzalez, junior studio art major. “My favorite right now is this small piece with cutouts in it. It's going to be a necklace and I will also make a similar bracelet. I'll cut the pieces of the flower and it will look like lot of small flowers together.”
Student artists use a variety of materials other than metals including clay and leather. Pieces range in size from dainty earrings to large statement brooches and rings.
“This my first time doing the jewelry sale, so I'm excited,” said Mary Solorza, a junior majoring in individualized studies with a minor in fashion. “It's a lot of work, but it's fun and everybody has so many great things for the show. It's inspiring to see everybody's level especially some of the older students who have been here a few years. Seeing what they put out is great.”
The profits from the annual sale are used to support students and help acquire new equipment and tools for the jewelry and metalsmithing studio in Devasthali Hall on NMSU's main campus.
“We have community members who have been supporting our sale for years," Furuhashi said. "I hope we continue to offer unique and original jewelry for each year's sale. Our next goal is the 50th jewelry sale! We will keep on working and keep on making!”
Get updates about the jewelry sale on their Facebook page or Instagram.
Original source can be found here.
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