The Sun Valley Center for the Arts and the weekly Artists' Market in Hailey and Ketchum are giving student artists an opportunity to sample life as a working artist. Student artists Eliza Uberuaga and Hannah Conn were some of the first to sell their items at the Hailey Artists' Market, which included recycled glass containers with tissue paper to create a stained-glass look and wallets made out of vitamin-bottle labels.
"We love to see youth encouraged in the arts, but we don't always have a place," said Sally Boettger, The Center's director of development. "We are proud to be affiliated with young inspiring talent showing and helping them sell their work."
Wood River Valley students have the opportunity to show and sell their work without a booth fee at both markets. The Center is covering booth fees for students who have art or crafts they would like to sell. It is a chance for budding artists to try out the markets without a long-term commitment or booth fee, and to make a little extra summer cash in the process. The markets are seeking student artists through early September.
Boettger said the weekly markets—held in conjunction with the farmers' markets in Hailey and Ketchum—provide the students and their art with excellent exposure.
Artists' Market manager Svea Grover said the idea to give students a place to sell creative wares and pieces came from local artist Maria Stewart.
"It's a great experience for them," said Grover. "They get a feel for how it is to be a working artist."
Grover said students can bring a table for their items to put in a tent at the market.
The Artists' Markets are from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesdays in Ketchum in the Town Square across from Atkinsons' and from 2:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays in Hailey on Main Street. Any interested students can contact Grover by calling 720-0377 or e-mail artistsmarket@gmail.com.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
From left, student artists Eliza Uberuaga and Hannah Conn show their wares at the new student art booth at the Hailey Artists’ Market. Photo by David N. Seelig
