Featured Photo: Vendors display their art to sell to the public in the Fine Arts Gallery on Friday, Dec. 5 in Martin, Tennessee. | (Pacer Photo / Ethan Tanner)
The University of Tennessee at Martin’s very own chapter of the League of Striving Artists (LSA) produced plenty of intriguing works of art at its Holiday Art Bazaar in the Fine Arts Gallery from Thursday, Dec. 4 to Saturday, Dec. 6.
For the eleventh consecutive year, art students acted as vendors and sold their works that ranged from paintings to digital art to jewelry to wood-burned planks. Many new and emerging artists were added to the mix, allowing for a good variety of original artwork.
“For a lot of the people that are here now, this is their first year vending and this is all new inventory for them. So, and that’s kind of great too, because it keeps the Bazaar fresh every year with different stuff,” said Jason Stout, professor at UT Martin and the bazaar’s advisor.
LSA vice president Callie Hollowell, a studio art major from Jackson, Tennessee, contributed her own intricate works of art to her last Holiday Art Bazaar at UTM.
“I saved can taps so I could make little key chain guys that are made out of beads and wire that I use the can tap as the body. And then I just made some LSA stickers and some fun vinyl colors for people,” she said.
Even though she is an artist first, Hollowell has appreciated getting the chance to learn the business side of art over the years.
“Getting to learn all of the money side of things is a key part in all of this and being able to market yourself and track money and keep up with all of that,” she said. “I know that’s probably not everybody’s experience, but I liked keeping track and learning how important that is on the other side of having a business or a vending event like this.”
LSA President Amanda Smith, a senior studio art major from Jackson, has also learned a lot of vending and business skills from hosting this event.
“Preparing for it, helping organize the event, reaching out to people to see if they want to vend and reaching out to people to see if inviting them to join us and come to this event to support local artists and students,” she said. “It’s really taught us how to organize and reach out to others. And for me personally, it has helped me with organization and making time to make these works during my free time and anytime I can.”
Plenty of art was sold at the event, giving LSA members a chance to branch out and gain experience in the business side of art production. The Holiday Art Bazaar was a success and is on the calendar to take place again in December 2026.
