PHOTO/Kate Luce
By: KATE LUCE
Staff Writer
The Potawatomi Conservatories are currently accepting student artists at IUSB to have a chance to sell and show their work to the community.
“The Conservatories at Potawatomi is a unique piece of the history of South Bend that would not be here without the support of the community. In turn, it is important that we lend support where we are able. There is an amazing amount of talent in the various art programs at IUSB and the proximity of the Conservatories can provide easily accessible inspiration,” Emily Bradford, Director of the Potawatomi Conservatories, said.
Student artists must prepare and bring a portfolio of their work by Oct. 23. Any medium of work is allowed, and subject matter does not have to revolve around plants. The only requirement is that artists must be full-time students at IUSB, and a preference will be towards those majoring in Fine Arts.
“The space provided will ideally house a small collection of pieces that clearly represent the individual skills of the artist. We are open to many different mediums of work,” Bradford said.
Once their pieces are sold, the conservatory is only asking for 20% of the profit made from the work. This percentage will go towards upkeep, events, and necessary expenses the indoor garden has.
However, students can come and access their pieces anytime during the business hours of the conservatory. They can receive their earnings at that time as well.
This idea was originally started by Bradford to get more interest in the community at the conservatories and to give students an opportunity to sell and display their art. With a plethora of community events the conservatory puts on each month, student artists will surely have fair amount of exposure to the community.
“By providing space for artists I believe we will draw student attention to an often overlooked space so close to campus. The conservatories daily have visitors from out of state, members of the Botanical Society, members of the community, and guests of our many events. This provides students with the ability to reach a market they may not have had access to,” Bradford said.
Although only two IUSB students have work being displayed thus far, they feel as though their work has already seemed to gain notice to the tight knit community that is involved at the conservatory. For them, the experience, although short-lived, has been worthwhile.
“I started selling my work at the conservatories because there are not many convenient places around for artist to put their work out there and get recognized. At the conservatory, it was convenient, local, and it benefited the conservatory,” Emma Hux, freshman, said.
Although this is not the first time the conservatories have opened their doors to fine arts department, it surely will not be the last because the conservatory is always looking to broaden their engagement with the surrounding community.
If interested in applying to sell work at the conservatory, one must put together and drop off a portfolio by Oct. 23. All mediums are allowed.
The Potawatomi Conservatories are only a five minute walk from the entrance of IUSB and is located on 2105 Mishawaka Ave. They are open on weekdays 10 AM to 4 PM and on Saturdays 10 AM to 3 PM. Stop in and take advantage of this opportunity.
