DADAH Hosts Second Market Event

The Department of Art, Design and Art History (DADAH) is hosting its second DADAH Market on Saturday, April 19 at the Visual Arts Studio. Twenty-one students and nine alumni will showcase and sell pieces of their art – including prints, paintings, drawings, jewelry, ceramics and more. The market, which is open to the public, saw over 200 attendees last year, allowing students to gain exposure for their work and network with guests.

“DADAH Market was an awesome opportunity,” shared Lauryn Wells, a senior illustration student. “It was so much fun to have a table and sell my work. I was surprised by how much fun we all had, artists and customers alike. I am beyond excited to table again, and this time I have even bigger ideas."

In addition to last year’s turnout from the general public, students were thrilled to feel the support from Webster staff, faculty, students and alumni as they browsed the market. 

“DADAH Market is an exciting opportunity for students to sell their art in a low-pressure environment,” echoed senior Devin Messmer, who is majoring in art with an emphasis in studio art. “This event is an amazing experience that has helped me learn what type of work sells well and has provided me with insightful interaction with the community. I'm looking forward to selling my work alongside my peers and Webster Alumni!”

Participating students have spent weeks leading up to this year’s DADAH Market preparing work and perfecting their table presentations with tutelage from faculty and alumni. 

“Being a part of the DADAH market last year was a fantastic introduction to vending,” said ceramics student Han Jabr. “It helped me gain confidence, which is something entirely new for me. I can't wait to participate again this year now that I know what I'm doing.” 

“I wish that DADAH had done an event like this when I was attending at Webster,” shared Erin King, BFA ‘12. “By inviting alumni to participate, it provides an opportunity for current art majors to ask alumni questions and for alumni to provide some mentorship and advice to students.”

King described the valuable career experience students gain from the event, such as “setting up their market display, inviting people from the public into one's studio, recouping the cost of supplies for school projects and ending the school year with potentially not having to rent a storage unit for art projects or figure out how to move them.”

Racheal Bruce, BFA ‘19, and current visiting assistant professor in illustration, organized the event and currently teaches a course. She is actively assisting students with preparations for the market. 

“DADAH Market is an opportunity for our students to gain real world experience - to succeed with the support of their community and build confidence in their practice,” shared Bruce. “DADAH is unique in that many alumni stay in St. Louis, making our network of artists and designers accessible. I am so thankful for our committed community that helped us make this event a reality for the second year in a row. I cannot wait to see DADAH Market continue to grow in the coming years!”

A raffle will take place at the event from items students and alumni have donated. The drawing is at 2:30pm on April 19 and is a “thank you” to all the supporters of the DADAH market.

Learn more about the arts at Webster.