School of Art and Design to Host Holiday Sale and Open House Nov. 8
The School of Art and Design at UA Little Rock will host its annual Holiday Sale and Open House from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Windgate Center of Art + Design on the university campus.
The event features one-of-a-kind crafts and creations made by School of Art and Design students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Items available for purchase can include anything from drawings, photography, and jewelry to ceramics, graphic design, and everything in between.
Differing from years’ past, the 2024 Holiday Sale and Open House will be held on one day only, and local food trucks will also be at the event.
“We created a holiday sale student committee this year so that we could listen to their voices and really make this event about them,” said Kristi Pruett, the School of Art and Design’s administrative analyst. “They have been a driving force, and, of course, we’re all excited about the food trucks.”
Attending the event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available in the Windgate Center of Art + Design parking lot, and overflow parking will be available in Lot 15.
Each vendor will have a curated selection of items for sale that showcases the talent in the School of Art and Design. Payment options will vary from vendor to vendor; however, most will accept cash, Venmo, CashApp, Paypal, or card.
Attendees can also purchase food and drinks at various food trucks. Those on site at the event include The Utopia Deli, The Trident Food Truck, and Coffee on Wheels. Coffee on Wheels will be featuring a special holiday menu made specifically for the Holiday Sale and Open House.
In addition to hosting various vendors, the event will also feature a number of demonstrations throughout the evening. The demonstration schedule includes:
- 3 p.m.: Camera Obscura with School of Art and Design Director Joli Livaudais
- 3:30 p.m.: Working with Pastels with Assistant Professor of Illustration Michele Noiset
- 4:30 p.m.: Gallery Tour with Gallery Director Brian Young and faculty guest
- 5:30-5:40 p.m.: “Mosques and Muqarnas,” art history lecture with Assistant Professor of Art History Lynne Larsen
- 6 p.m.: Bronze Pour with Professor Emeritus Michael Warrick
- 6:30-6:40 p.m.: “Meaningful Materials in Contemporary Art,” art history lecture with Assistant Professor of Art History Lynne Larsen
Assistant Professor of Art Education Emily Hood will also lead a make-and-take experience for children.
The annual event brings a number of visitors to campus, and there’s been an increase in attendance over the past few years. Over 700 visitors attended the 2023 art sale with more than 70 artists participating.
“Organizing the holiday sale for the School of Art and Design has been an incredibly exciting experience,” said Lydia Martin, visiting assistant professor of metals and holiday sale committee chair. “It has been a joy to see our students’ dedication come to life and create an event where their talents can be celebrated by the entire community,” Martin said.
For more information regarding the event, contact Kristi Pruett at kncrow@ualr.edu or 501-916-5101.
