Image: Damien Sanchez, fifth year student, paints at the Corpus Christi Art Walk on March 1, 2024 for the Student Art Association stand. The Student Art Association had the living painting show in hopes of attracting more people to their table. Photo by Giovanna Triguis
Story and Photos by Giovanna Triguis | Translation by Victoria Escobedo
Every first Friday of the month, the Student Art Association (SAA) sells student artwork. In hopes of getting student-artist’s names’ and work out into the public, the club works to promote young artists. The club sells a variety of artwork from students including stickers, ceramics, sculptures, paintings, prints, and more.
“It definitely benefits them money-wise, but it also gets their name out there and it gets their work out there,” SAA president and fourth year student, Ariana De Jesus said. “It’s just a great way for them to get their name out there, especially if they’re too shy to do it themselves. The whole thing we say is that if you’ve never vended before, or you don’t know where to start, then you can come out here with us and we’ll do all the heavy lifting and you can sit back and watch and then learn how to do it yourself.”
By having a club that unites artists on campus, students are able to network over shared passions and interests. The shared space also gives the artists a time to collaborate and learn from each other.
“I think it is really important to have a club on campus especially for artists because artists themselves are so shy,” De Jesus said. “They usually don’t want to get out of their own bubble and having this opportunity to talk to other artists is really good for them. It gets people out there and overall betters their communication skills.”
The Student Art Association holds meetings every two weeks in the Center for the Arts room 206. Due to the frequent meetings and events, the club members are able to form a close-knit bond.
“The bond is pretty strong because we’re out here every single month for Art Walk, and can tell it’s usually the same people and they are devoted, like they want to actually put their work out there and talk to people and they enjoy it,” De Jesus said. “We’re very open to each other and I try not to overstep on anyone, I just want to support them.”
Overall, the Student Art Association can be beneficial for young artists who are trying to get their foot in the door as they navigate the industry, since the SAA supports their members by helping them along every step of the process.
“Everyone should join the Student Art Association, even if you’re not an artist. We’re very open to all members, no matter if you’re an art major or not. Art is everywhere around us. It’s in clothing, it’s in makeup, it’s in jewelry, but people don’t realize it’s everywhere,” De Jesus said. “So I say, join the Student Art Association so that you can get your ideas out there in the most creative way possible.”