Fall Art & Design Festival to show the ‘art of making’

By Ryan, October 7, 2015

By Liz Reichart, A&E Editor//

When a chill is in the air and the leaves turn their orange hue, it’s that time of year for the annual High Point University Fall Art and Design Festival. On Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this event will celebrate the art of making. Free to all who attend, it will take place in the parking lot between the Nido Qubein School of Communication and the School of Education. Featuring every artistic trade, from jewelers, metalworkers, and ceramicists to painters, sculptors and photographers, there is something for everyone to be inspired by.
Dr. John Turpin, dean of the School of Art and Design, is excited to see an increased turnout this year from last year’s 1,500 students and community members. “It is important to expose students to individuals who have taken their artistic talents and turned them into means of self-expression or even ways to make a living. Creativity and the art of making is a crucial part of our culture,” said Turpin.
Some of last year’s popular exhibits will be returning for the 2015 Fall Festival, including Printology, a High Point printing press run by 2015 graduate Mackenzie Allred, who creates stationary and cards on the spot. Also returning is Be Spoked of High Point making bracelets out of bike spokes, along with artists such as Joseph Sand Pottery of Randleman, Avery-Reese handcrafted accessories of Colfax and Quinn Metal Arts of Greensboro.
One of the unique learning opportunities the Fall Art and Design Festival offers HPU students is the opportunity to participate and engage in live demonstrations with artists. “Some artists and craftspeople will give students an opportunity to engage in the art of making. There could be many lessons from these experiences. One could be a true appreciation for how difficult it is to make a product that might otherwise look easy. At the other end of the spectrum, students might discover that there are things they can make, if simply led through the process,” said Turpin.
With a special tent for kids where they can engage in art projects and set their minds free with Legos, it’s also the perfect family-friendly outing. Entertainment will be provide by university a cappella groups and the HPU jazz ensemble.
Not the traditional art student? Not an issue! There is something for everyone in any major with such a wide array of design components on display. “Last year we had a number of students who decided to take some of our art and design classes based on what they saw at the event. They were inspired and finally decided to try it for themselves. If anything, there will be wonderful products on sale for gifts as the holidays are right around the corner. I personally enjoy meeting the people who actually crafted what I purchase. They often have such great stories and you quickly understand that their products are a labor of love,” said Turpin.
With so many interactive exhibits, students are sure to come out in droves and let their creative sensibilities run free.