UGA Dodd Market supports student art in its third year

Racks of trendy, second-hand clothing, stands with artsy handmade jewelry and an array of original student art prints filled the first floor of the Lamar Dodd School of Art on Friday, Nov. 17, during the college’s third annual Dodd Market.

Made possible by the University of Georgia Parents Leadership Council and put on by the Dodd Ambassadors, the market lasted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and featured original works from more than 140 UGA students. In 2022, the market was named the Outstanding Campus Event of the Year by the Student Organization Achievement and Recognition awards, according to the Dodd Market website.

Despite the slight drizzle and cloudy skies that hovered over the market, the atrium and courtyard were packed with customers supporting student artists. The event is completely free for students, and vendors get to keep 100 percent of the proceeds they earn.

Two vendors, Alyx Bontrager and Liz Adams, were a few of many students at the market who sold second-hand and vintage clothing in addition to original creations. As students in their senior and junior years respectively, this was their first time selling at the Dodd Market, but the pair had attended before and felt inspired by the work of their peers.

“I like that [the market] gives all the students a chance to sell their work because everyone puts so much time into what they’re doing,” Bontrager said. “It’s a good opportunity to actually see some direct benefit of that.”

Although most of the vendors at the market are currently studying an art-related field, several students used the market as an opportunity to show off the products of skills they’ve practiced many years before coming to UGA. Aidan Ventimiglia, a freshman student at Lamar Dodd, sold an array of original plein air paintings, some of which displayed familiar scenes of UGA’s campus.

Ventimiglia is an animation major who was selling at the market for the first time, but he had previous tabling experience and has painted for four years.

Another first-time vendor at the market was Je’Leah Laurenceau, a sophomore intended drawing and painting major. She has been drawing since the sixth grade, but this was her first time compiling enough work to be able to sell at the market.

The first time Laurenceau passed by the market was in 2022, and she admits that she didn’t know what it was at the time. This year, she said she’s excited to be able to participate and see the different works that her friends have created.

Along with art prints and clothing, customers could purchase jewelry, crocheted accessories and even a bite to eat from Cafe Racer, an Athens donut and coffee shop that also sells burgers and fries.

Considering the overwhelming crowd of people that filled the school’s first floor throughout Friday afternoon, it’s clear that the Athens community is not afraid to show out and support student art. The Dodd Market is only in its third year, but it has already established itself as a significant opportunity for student artists to celebrate and profit from their original works.