Buffalo State Student Art Sale Returns for 25th Year
For a quarter century, students in Buffalo State’s Art and Design Department have faithfully created original artwork suitable for holiday gifts. Fortunately for art lovers on campus and in the community, the 25th annual Student Art Sale will return on Tuesday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s second-floor reception area.
“So far, we have 50 students committed to participating, and they’ve created 450 pieces of art,” said Jozef Bajus, associate professor of design and coordinator of the fibers program, who has also assumed the role of art sale coordinator. “It’s a mix of ceramic pieces, jewelry, photographs, handwoven textiles, and woodwork.”
New this year are garments and accessories created by students from the Fashion and Textile Technology (FTT) Department.
“FTT is excited to be joining the Student Art Sale this year,” said Erin Habes, lecturer of FTT. “They’ve created more than 100 items for sale, from handmade bowties to a curated selection of vintage clothing. Our Fashion Club has focused on entrepreneurship this semester, and many of the students selling their work have their own businesses.”
The student sale, which took a hiatus in December 2020 because of COVID, is a much-anticipated holiday affair in which faculty, staff, students, and members of the public can find well-made one-of-a-kind gifts. Cash, checks, and credit cards are all acceptable forms of payment. Students keep 75 percent of the proceeds.
Bajus took over as coordinator following the 2020 retirement of Carol Townsend, associate professor of design who served as the sale’s faculty adviser since its inception.
“When they asked for a volunteer to carry it forward, I raised my hand,” Bajus said. “It’s a lot of work but enjoyable, too. It gives students a taste of the professional side of the artistic life and helps them make a little money.”
The sale was held for years in Upton Hall’s Czurles-Nelson Gallery. It moved to the Burchfield Penney last year to help celebrate the college’s 150th anniversary and to give students more exposure in the public-facing venue.
“It was very successful last year, and the BPAC welcomed us back this year,” Bajus said. “It’s nice to have such a professional setting that attracts visitors from both inside and outside the college.
“I encourage people to come by and see the work our talented students have produced over the past year,” Bajus said. “You could also find a unique gift perfect for someone on your list. Overall, the sale definitely helps our students. And that’s why we’re here, after all, to help students succeed.”
For more information, please contact Jozef Bajus or call (716) 878-4133.
Photos by Buffalo State Creative Services, Marketing and Communications Office.
