Celebrating the Most Successful Student Art Sale Ever
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The highest-ever sales numbers, thanks to thousands of visitors who brought home work by our talented students.
This was a milestone year for our Student Art Sale. Along with it being the 45th year of the sale, it was also — by a wide margin — the most successful one ever. Sales were up more than 50 per cent over last year, which meant many happy shoppers bringing home the work of our many talented students.
Since 1973, the Student Art Sale has been one of Vancouver’s most highly anticipated annual seasonal events. Sales of original paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, photos, prints, wearable pieces, housewares and greeting cards directly support our community of emerging artists. It’s a win-win for everyone: students gain exposure for their work and keep the profits (minus operation costs), and attendees take home unique finds to give as gifts or keep for themselves.
The long lineups on opening day and throughout the rest of the weekend translated into some outstanding numbers. Approximately 600 more items were sold than last year, and 84 per cent of participating students sold pieces. Paintings were the most popular, with ceramics and prints following closely behind.
No great event happens without the contributions of many people and the Student Art Sale is no exception. Along with dedicated Emily Carr employees and organizer Marlene Madison — now in her sixth year of coordinating the sale — close to 200 students were on hand to ensure the sale ran smoothly.
From planning the display space for more than 7,000 pieces, to registering artists and hanging and arranging their work, to filling hundreds of holes after the event and restoring the well-used walls to their original condition, an incredible amount of effort went into making the event a success.
Countless hours were also spent marketing the event, registering and assigning tasks to an army of volunteers, answering questions, taking payments and directing the crowds during the sale itself.
We’re grateful to everyone in our community who came together to make this sale the greatest one yet, as well as everyone who came out to support emerging artists by purchasing their creations. We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.