On Friday, April 4, Women of Westby and The Gallery Publication hosted their annual Spring Artist Market in the Business Hall Hub Lobby. The event brought together creatives for an afternoon of art and community.

The event brought together over 30 vendors, including Rowan students and outside artists, creating a space full of creativity and community. 

In addition to traditional artwork, mugs, T-shirts, accessories, and jewelry were also being sold. Each table reflected the creator’s unique style, offering something for everyone, whether you were looking for a new bracelet or some fan art of your favorite TV show. 

The market gave students and local artists a platform to share their work and connect with others. Many artists spoke with guests about things outside of their artwork, building personal connections that extended beyond a transaction. 

“ It makes me happy that they enjoy it. Sometimes it’s not always about money,” said Jordan Crabins, a junior studio art major here at Rowan. 

This event was a great opportunity to connect with others who have the same interest.

“It’s honestly nice to see like-minded people, because I make stuff that I would like to have, so it’s nice to meet people who have the same interests as me,” said Angelina Norman, a senior art education major here at Rowan. 

Beyond just selling artwork, many vendors were there to spread joy through their creativity.

“I like making people’s days,” said Nahida Khalil, a Rowan graduate. “It brightens everyone’s day a little bit.”

Some individuals used this time to socialize with others, meet people, and make genuine connections. Whether discussing their creative process or just chatting about everyday topics, the conversations were just as meaningful as the art.

“I just really enjoy joining in conversation with anybody. So whatever comes to mind, whether it’s about my artwork or just something that just happens to appear in the conversation, it’s fun,” said AJ Bahooshian, a senior graphic design major here at Rowan. 

For many artists, the market was an opportunity to learn what caught people’s attention, offering a valuable insight for the future.

“It’s super interesting to see what people are drawn to, so that I know in the future to make more of that,” Norman said. 

For student artists, especially, the event served as a stepping stone toward a creative career. Positive feedback from strangers and peers was a confidence boost for artists preparing to enter the industry. 

 ”This is what I’m good at, and this is what I wanna do as a job. So if people like what I’m already doing before I even get out of college, that gives me hope that I will do well,” Crabins said.

The Spring Artist Market was more than just a place to shop. It was a fun way for people to connect, share common interests, and support each other. Whether you were buying art, chatting with friends, or just walking around, the event was a reminder of how powerful and inspiring the creative community can be. 

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