Palomar glass, ceramic sale kicks off run

By: JESSICA MUSICAR - For the North County Times | Thursday, December 1, 2005 11:40 PM PST ∞

With an armload of items made by Palomar students, Elise McClellan tries to decide what else to buy for Christmas during the semi-annual Glass and Ceramic Sale at Palomar College in San Marcos on Thursday. The event, which runs through Saturday, features items that have been hand-crafted by Palomar students with the proceeds benefiting the Palomar art department.
HAYNE PALMOUR IV Staff Photographer
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SAN MARCOS ---- Roaming between shelves and tables covered with glass vases, paper weights, sculptures, glazed ceramics and other art pieces, shoppers looked for gifts and accents during Palomar College's semi-annual Glass and Ceramic Sale on Thursday.

All the pieces, which filled more than 50 tables, were hand-crafted by students in Palomar's art department. The sale, which includes some photography, continues through Saturday.

While resting a box of several possible purchases against her hip, art lover Irene Dumas inspected a gray ceramic vase and said she often picks out Christmas gifts for friends and family at the sale.Ý

"There are some beautiful items at very reasonable prices; this is the third year I've come and I look forward to it," said the Vista resident. "What draws me to this event is you find unique items that you won't find at a department store."

Dumas added that she believes in supporting student artists and said the sale gives them both the confidence and funds they need to continue their work.

"I think it's very important because they are budding artists and they need reassurance that all their work is appreciated by others, and I'm sure they could use the cash," Dumas said.

Student artist Caroline Celia, who has taken art classes for several years at the college, said she entered about 70 pieces, primarily hand-built ceramic platters and bowls in an unusual glaze of red, blue and purple, because she enjoys knowing that customers are proudly displaying her work in their homes.

"It makes me feel good," Celia said.

Garry Cohen, a glass instructor in the Palomar art department, who helps the nearly 30-year-old sale run smoothly, said it's a tradition for the school and the surrounding community to come and purchase the student art. He noted that some faculty art is included in the sale.

Cohen said the event, which is also held in May, draws hundreds of people who typically snatch up at least half of the art displayed. The majority of the money goes to students except for 20 percent, which is used to support the art department.

"Students can really get rewarded economically by doing due diligence in the trade, spending time learning and refining their craft," Cohen said, as he pointed out a cobalt blue glass chalice, holiday balls and other artwork made by his students.

A patron of Palomar's art sales, Diane Way said she has been buying student art for nearly 30 years.

"This is a traditional thing for me," Way said. "The art is so beautiful; every time I use one of the items, I think of the wonderful time I had looking.

"I just fill my eyes and my mind with all the beauty I see." Ý

The sale is being held at Palomar's main campus at 1140 W. Mission Road, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

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