Local Artists Shine at College Craft Sale

Fredericton, N.B.- The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design held its annual fall craft sale this past weekend. Many of the college’s second-year students took the opportunity to not only display their wares, but make some money as well. Held every year at the start of the Christmas season, the craft sale has become an institution in downtown Fredericton.

Pottery student Ceilidh Craig was amazed at the interest that Fredericton’s art patrons showed in her latest production line of mugs and bowls.  She said, “I must have made over $1,400 the first day alone.” For a college student, the opportunity to make money doing what they do is icing on the cake as they perfect their craft.

For the artists, the immediate gratification that comes from selling their product is topped off by the opportunity to become active members of the local art community through the exposure generated by the sale. Craig’s pottery display was adorned with several stacks of fresh business cards, as were the displays for the other artists. An eye catching business card, with information directing patrons to Instagram and Etsy pages is a great way for customers to become return customers.

Jeweler

Allana Gerrie, a second-year jewelry student, brought with her what is called a production line. Production lines are sets of work done in a particular style by an artist, typically for the purpose of selling at this type of event. This line, says Gerrie, is a “mix of metals, this time copper and silver.”

Mixed media is a theme throughout this year’s show. Ceilidh Craig used iron oxide in her glazes to give her pottery a rustic look. “I wanted to create something that had a different textural feel to it… more visual depth.”

Craig has been doing pottery for three years, operating out of a home studio in Mactaquac, N.B., and is known for her rustic earthenware designs. Originally setting out to become a jeweler, she found pottery and in her words, “fell in love from day one.” The switch between art forms is not unusual at the school

The Craft College has a long history of launching aspiring artists into the larger art community. Through the foundational program all students take in their first year, they are able to sample many mediums, eventually settling on a specialty. From there, they hone their craft to the point where they are confident in displaying their art in the sale.

The sale is where many students get a first opportunity to see their hard work pay off. A couple years of learning and growing as artists comes together in a brightly lit gallery, with previously unknown artisans at center stage.

The benefit is twofold, in that the students are able to both gain exposure, and make some pocket money. Both go a long way toward continued success as an artist.