By Becca Kohlmyer, CIU Student Writer
Adorned in black tuxedos and cocktail dresses, students browsed the rows of vendors at Columbia International University’s annual student art showcase “The Gallery.” It’s an opportunity to dress up and consider purchasing art made by their peers.
Tables held brownies, cookies, and sparkling grape juice neatly arranged, as soft classical piano music played. Students were impressed by the organization and elegance, with Sadie Lorick, a member of the Student Government, saying, “everything was so well put together, and all of the vendors were quality!”
Izzy Groves spent weeks preparing for the event and seeking out artistic students at CIU to give them the opportunity to make a profit off their art. She is the vice president of The Exchange Club, which helps students celebrate the talents that God has given them. The club hosts several smaller crafting events each semester, but their biggest event by far is The Gallery.
“I definitely think this is one of the most important events for the artistic students at CIU,” Groves said. “It gets their name out there and allows for students to be seen or heard, whether that be through painting, crocheting or taking pictures!”
The Gallery is a place to showcase all forms of art. Everything from painted guitars to intricately woven baskets.
Hannah Moore, a freshman, sold a unique crafted basket made out of pine needles.
“Every summer my grandma would pick one of her crafts and teach it to me and my cousins, and one summer that was pine needle baskets,” Moore said. “During Hurricane Helene I was walking around and found a ton of pine needles on the ground so I just decided to try and make pine needle baskets like when I was a kid. Then I heard about the Gallery from Izzy, and now here I am!”
Another artist, Ruth Ellen Lorick, had an interesting idea to use crocheting in different and unique ways, creating items such as mug warmers and charging cord covers.
“I got into crocheting when I was really little,” Lorick said. “My cousin taught me how. I made a few little things that I know the students can afford and enjoy. I heard about The Gallery from The Exchange posters around campus. I feel so blessed that I’ve been given this talent and appreciate that people are interested in what I’m making and buying my creations!”
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