Buffalo State University is holding its 28th annual Student Art Sale this weekend.

Headed by Buffalo State’s Art & Design Department, the Student Art Sale is held every year putting student made works on display. This event provides students with the opportunity to expose their artwork to a wider audience and be paid based on their work. Showcased artwork includes but is not limited to jewelry, ceramics, fiber works, woodworking, paintings and photos.

The Art Sale is held at the Burchfield Penny Art Center on Dec. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Some students whose work is on display were able to talk about the event, touching on its importance in the foundation of their careers as creatives as well as how Buffalo State has cultivated their artistic growth.

Q: Would you say that having your work on display at an event like this is a foundational step in your career?

Nike: I think it’s very important to have our work sold. We can put on our resume that we’ve been involved in things like a pop-up exhibition, and having that experience of making a marketable product and selling it.

Dondre: I would say so. For my pop-up, I’m selling clothes, but I’m also doing a form of philanthropy. This isn’t my first time selling products, but I feel like being more focused on the Buffalo area and honing myself towards a different demographic will teach me a lot.

Nick Daniels: It’s a great opportunity to sell your work and get it out there. There are a lot of opportunities to take advantage of in this city, so this is a great opportunity for students since everyone can submit something, and it’s there for the community to see at one of the larger museums in the area.

Tyler Lawson: I’d say yes and no. Yes, because it got me more into this mindset of designing something then producing it, so it’s an informative experience. At the same time, it’s still technically schoolwork, and the way I see it, it’s still on the school’s campus.

Edward Reid: I would. I go to a lot of conventions, and one of the main parts is the dealer’s den, where all the artists get to sell their stuff and express what they do. I like being in a place where I get to show my art in a place where people can see and buy it.

Auvs: I think it’s important to see the real-world applications of what you’re making. I think this is pretty helpful to what I want to do going forward, since it gives me a sense of how operations of these sorts of things go.

Hayley: Yes, since it shows me the process of putting out a product and putting it in a market.

Q: Would you say that Buffalo State has cultivated your growth as an artist?

Nike: Yeah, before coming to Buff State, I hadn’t had much experience with 3D modeling and animation. Currently, I’m also learning coding, where all of us graphic designers have to code our own website and portfolio.

Dondre: For sure, now I know how to use a lot more programs. I came to school more Photoshop and Illustrator-heavy, but now I’m learning stuff like Blender 3D animation and coding. Now I know more ways that I can market myself and other people.

Nick Daniels: Definitely. It’s part of the reason why I chose this school, so I can hone a craft that I was already doing. It has helped put my skills into focus.

Tyler Lawson: I think it’s helped get me to where I am today. Originally, when I came here, I didn’t do a lot of 3D, and now it is my focus because I’ve enjoyed it so much.

Edward Reid: Yes, extremely so. I’d say the classes here have given me the resources to do all the things I’ve wanted to learn as an artist.

Auvs: I’d say it’s pretty well-rounded. We have classes that cover the basics, classes that cover 2D design and advertising, and 3D classes that cover stuff like animation, motion design and modeling. It gives us a good mindset for what our options are as designers.

Hayley: Yes, and I think that’s specifically because of the professors here. I think all of my classes intertwined to bring me to where I am now.

The Student Art Sale not only celebrates student creativity but showcases the growth and dedication of emerging artists across campus. With each piece on display, it is clear that Buffalo State’s Art & Design Department is helping its students take meaningful steps toward their future careers.