Hosted by the Workspace & the ISU Gaffer's Guild
Find great gifts for grads at the annual spring art sale at the Memorial Union on May 13 through 16 in the Memorial Union Art Gallery. Hours are Tuesday 4-7pm, Wednesday 10am-7pm, Thursday 10am-4pm, and Friday 10am-4pm and the Gallery is located on the 1st floor.
Featuring artists, makers, and crafters, the gallery is transformed into a shopper's paradise for those who love art and hand-made items. From budding creatives on campus to professional artists you will find pottery, blown glass, jewelry, decor, accessories, and prints. Sales support individual artists, The Workspace, and the Gaffer’s Guild. This year's artists include:
Alyssa Beltman crochets adorable scrunchies that make your messy low buns look intentional and add dimension to ponies.
Olivia Blanchard is an illustrator who is passionate about bringing ideas to life, especially for those who are fans of fantasy and sci-fi and adore cute animals. Her work comes in many forms including prints, bookmarks, pins, and stickers.
Maureen Burke is an encaustic artist who creates beautiful, ethereal works by applying melted colored wax to canvas. In addition to her artwork, she makes pretty beeswax wrap paper, offering an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics.
John Burright is a woodsmith who brings out the best of the grain using a variety of woods. He constructs lidded boxes as well as wood-turned boxes, wine corks, and pens – great gifts for grads!
Hao Cao makes the cutest kawaii-style animals, fruits, and other miniatures, transforming them into delightful keychains, ring dishes, magnets, and charming tiny sculptures.
Jillian Dunlap's jewelry line features dried flowers with resin and beaded earrings, making perfect accessories for spring. Discover a vibrant palette from soft pastels to bold hues, often accented with a sparkle of glitter!
Caroline Freese is a multimedia artist who specializes in ceramics. Her forms are unique to her brand and feature decals of her animal drawings. Carolines work has a distinct look with her signature ivory satin glaze enhanced with washes of color. Be sure to check out her animal-themed coloring books, greeting cards, pillows, and stickers, too!
Grace Hatchitt creates characters and narratives with fantasy themes in her drawings. Her small prints and stickers are favorites, along with printed tote bags and t-shirts.
Greg Lamont is a talented potter who is a Workspace instructor and studio member at CASA. His pottery seamlessly blends beauty with practicality, making it perfect for everyday use.
Judy Lemish is both a master seamstress and upcycler – a perfect combination in our book! We are fans of her groovy retro-patterned fabrics in her tote bags and belts, the cozy felted wool in her pins, and the fun bead parings she chooses for earrings. Be sure to check out her quippy cards and magnets, too!
Truc Nguyen is a multimedia artist who creates adorable crafts. She stitches lovable kawaii plushies including bunnies, frogs, and bears. In addition, she sculpts tiny clay cats that can hang on planters or over your computer screen. She also throws and glazes small ceramic bowls adorned with quirky faces that are sure to brighten up any space.
Ann Pross crafts brilliant glass beads and then assembles small stacks in coordinating colors. These beautiful pendants are wearable pieces of art.
Rhonda Scott is not only a talented artist and maker but also a dedicated Workspace instructor. Discover her vibrant glass beads, exquisite fine-silver and beaded jewelry, marbled paper cards, and one-of-a-kind upcycled book journals.
Anka Snider designs laser-cut acrylic earrings in fun shapes and poppy colors. She also makes earrings with beads and charms in all sorts of combinations. Don’t miss Anka’s canvas tote bags with quippy sayings and bold prints
Audrey Stirling is a metalsmith who creates rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants inspired by organic forms in nature. Her intricate wire wrapping is beautiful on its own, but comes together as a stunning statement piece when she incorporates gemstones, shells, and other found materials.
Hope Waggoner is a designer with a collection of 3-D printed sea creatures, including sharks, axolotls, stingrays, and whales. These articulated figures come as keychains or stand-alone fidgets. Hope’s new venture is red and gold bud vases, perfect for your Iowa State grad!
Valerie Williams specializes in bowls but makes a full line of ware called “Daily Dish.” Her pottery embodies functionality, lightness, and grace, and you will be wowed by the beautiful color blends of glaze she creates.
Tiara Young is a multimedia Latina artist who will feature prints of her black and white drawings. This work is a fusion of styles, blending traditional tattoo designs with elements reflecting her heritage.
Gaffer's Guild members are skilled in the art and science of glassblowing, producing a stunning array of vibrant pieces. Their collection features everything from vases and beverageware to ornaments, paperweights, and sculptures.
The Workspace has a mixed bag of fun additions to the event, including pottery from beginner students, the ever-popular mystery boxes, and buttons galore.
The Memorial Union is located at 2229 Lincoln Way on the Iowa State campus, and hourly parking is available in the ramp on the east side of the building.