The annual Associated Students of the University of New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair commenced for its 56th iteration on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Held in the ballrooms of the Student Union Building, this year’s show features 76 different booths with goods representing a wide variety of disciplines, including painting, glasswork, fabric arts, printmaking and others.
Monique Rivera, the assistant director of the ASUNM Arts and Crafts Fair, explained that the vendors go through a juried application in order to participate in the show. One of the benefits of the fair is the opportunity it gives student artists to showcase their work — both for exposure and sales. Vendors are given a discounted application as well. While the majority of the craftspeople are artists from the community at large, there are still a number of student participants.
Several of the student artists said they had heard about the event through friends who had participated in the past.
Louie Perea, a sophomore in interdisciplinary arts with a concentration in photography, had several of his prints on display and said he had already made some sales. For both students and professionals, there is a large diversity of mediums and experience levels represented.
Crochet artist Micah Glidewell, a junior in film and digital arts, has been working in the medium since the age of eight or nine.
Jay Wheeler, a craftsman specializing primarily in handmade soaps, said his Italian neighbor taught him how to make soap 40 years ago. While he doesn’t have a permanent location, he primarily sells his products at farmer’s markets, shows and festivals. He said there are some shows that are highly respected by those in the art community and the ASUNM Arts and Crafts Fair is "one of them."
The fair will continue through 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22 and, in addition to the variety of artwork, crafts and gifts, the event features live music.
Emille Domschot is a freelance photographer at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @erdomschot
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
