Shopping Small, Smithie Style

The importance of shopping small is heavily emphasized during the holiday season, and both the Smith and local Northampton communities didn’t have to leave campus to support independent creators thanks to the third Smith Student Art Sale, held recently in the Campus Center.

“There’s such appreciation for making this part of our Smith community more visible,” says Leigh Fagin, Jean and David W. Wallace Foundation Director of the Smith Office for the Arts (SOFA). “We have such talented students, and this is a [great] way for the Smith community to see all the ways they’re being creative. Students have loved to share what they’ve made, talk about their techniques, and discuss their processes.” The art sale was one of the first programs Fagin came up with in her new position. Since its inception in December 2022, the event has only grown in popularity.

The sale itself came about after Fagin’s discussions with students about the arts community on campus and what kinds of projects they were working on both inside and outside of the classroom. After realizing that students wanted not only an avenue to share what they’ve made, but also a way to support their artistic peers, the idea fell into place. “So many of our students are entrepreneurs, creatives, and makers,” says Fagin. “This allows them to explore the value of their work, feel supported by the community, share their passions, and be recognized for their talents.”

Items available for sale ranged from prints, crocheted animals, jewelry, and photographs to ceramic bowls, zines, and knit bags. This year’s event saw over 50 student makers setting up shop in the Carroll Room inside the Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center on a bright winter Friday afternoon.

“I love making things with my hands, and jewelry can be so versatile as a medium,” says Ava Goodale ’25, whose beaded jewelry was on display; she made sure not to miss vending at the art sale after seeing a friend of hers participate in April’s sale, which was held in partnership with Art After Hours at the Smith College Museum of Art. “I got into it last winter break by chance … One day I tried making a necklace and totally fell in love with it. I got really into thrifting for interesting beads and charms, and I try to make things that feel unique.”

Juniper Huang ’25 offered pottery that they made in the ceramics studio, an art form they’ve been perfecting since their friend first taught them to throw [shaping clay into pottery on a potter’s wheel] in the spring of their sophomore year. “I loved my friends coming to see my work, and people who didn’t know I make ceramics being surprised to see me,” they recall.

The rush that comes from connecting with those who appreciate their work is definitely a highlight, but for many, that’s just the beginning of what they got out of the event.

“I really loved talking with everyone who came to my booth, and it made me especially happy when people told me something I made was the perfect gift for their mom, girlfriend, or other loved one,” says Elsa Bieger ’25, who sold chainmail jewelry at the art sale and also dabbles in knitting, crocheting, and sewing. “After the event, I loved seeing so many people around campus wearing my jewelry.”

For Goodale, the best part of the sale came after the crowds had dispersed and the student vendors began trading art among themselves. It was a moment that captured the essence and camaraderie of the event. “I wasn’t expecting it but I thought it was so awesome, and I was able to trade with some really cool artists,” Goodale says. “I thought it was a very sweet, community-building moment.”