Looking to get holiday shopping done early? Well look no further than our very own cafeteria!
During the middle of December, in the BBHHS cafeteria during lunch periods, students are able to visit tables showcasing the hard work of NAHS students. Those interested in supporting NAHS should bring cash during lunch periods and can support aspiring artists who are looking to share their careful creations.
The Winter Market is an annual event put on by NAHS, this year advised together by Julia Gloege and Andrew Hansen.
While this is Hansen’s first year in a position to lead Winter Market, it is not something he is completely new to, having seen it in the past and describing Winter Market as “a fundraiser for NAHS,” that gives students the opportunity to create and then sell their own handmade goods.
These students have been brought together by the passion they share that is creating, and now they’re going to share it with others. A wide variety of goods will be created by separate committees that make sure everything runs smoothly.
NAHS President Kara Sabo briefs what to look forward to, making mention of jewelry, stickers, crochet, ceramics, and more, most with a holiday or winter theme, or just goods perfect for gift giving.
“I think there’s something to be said about putting a lot of effort and work into something, and thinking, ‘Oh my gosh it’s beautiful,’ and then giving it away, because it’s not yours, and it doesn’t belong to you,” says Gloege. “I don’t necessarily think that our student body that buys these things understands how much work, and how much effort goes into it.”
This effort often goes unnoticed, but with NAHS allowing these creatives to share not only their work with others, but also parts of themselves. While each piece may not have a deep or especially personal feeling tied to it, every product made represents one’s love and appreciation for expression through art.
Art is often attributed to bringing people together and that hasn’t stopped at BBHHS. NAHS Vice President Karis Sung and President Sabo want the Winter Market to be more than just a means for funds. Sabo emphasizes this wanting to, “form deeper connections and instill confidence with our new members.”
“Winter market is the first occasion where the new members need to bring their unique skills to the table for NAHS’s success,” says Sabo. “In this process, we are also learning what kind of skills each member has to offer and offering opportunities for them to continue to build confidence in their ability to communicate on a team and utilize their artistry.”
Chloe Grayson, a senior and in her third year of NAHS membership, has had plenty of experiences helping with similar events.
Every spring NAHS puts on Art Fest, a slightly more ambitious event that showcases the art of not just NAHS members, but students all throughout the art program at BBHHS.
Grayson says, “I like setting up for Art Fest, it’s toward the end of the year, but I’m the only one that knows how to tie the lines to hang the artwork, so I’ll be running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but it’s worth it in the end to see how happy everyone is.”
Winter Market over the years has been a great way to get students involved in the art scene, not only allowing for people to showcase their art, but teach valuable skills that can be used later in life. Winter Market helps support our art community and has been a fun and exciting way to celebrate not only the holidays, but also hard work and passion from NAHS students.