
Learn

Create

Sell
WELCOME TO SHOW + SALE
A program for artists with entrepreneurial spirit
Show + Sale is a student & alumni-run and led, non for profit program provided by the Alberta University of the Arts Students’ Association.
We are your opportunity as a current AUArts student to sell your work to the public and learn professional development skills! Our program helps BFA, BDes, and MFA students hone their professional skills and provides them with a platform to sell their artwork with confidence. Each academic year, we provide free professional development programs and host one in-person market that culminates in a selling opportunity

What Sets Us Apart?
All Show + Sale programs are offered to students AT NO COST.
At Show + Sale, we put artists first! Our Markets exclusively represent current AUArts students.
Unlike other art markets, we are a nonprofit program brought to you by the AUArts Students' Association. 100% of sales goes to supporting creative careers at AUArts, with 75% of sales going directly to our artists.
Our 25% commission fee, allows us to:
- Provide student scholarships and FREE professional development for our school community.
- Make participation in Show + Sale programs and workshops FREE for all students.
- Hire and provide work experience to current students and recent alumni.
- Pay our Show + Sale participants' GST. So our student artists can focus on learning market skills.

Why Participate in Show + Sale?
A low-risk opportunity to gain market experience
Our programs are offered at no cost to students. Therefore our artists do not need to pay fees associated with setting up a booth, marketing and point-of-sale systems. It is all provided with workshops to learn about each step in the commercial market process.
This means you can invest your time into learning entrepreneurial skills without worrying about making sales to break even.
We pay our artists' GST
The Show + Sale program pays sales tax on behalf of our participating artists. Therefore, Show + Sale artists do not need a business registration or a GST registration number at this time, as a means for students to focus on learning the skills to sell.
Hands-on learning opportunities
As a Show + Sale participant, you are actively taking part in each step preparing for the market.
Each artist will receive one-on-one mentoring with their assigned Department Representative and be apart of a cohort with students that have similar practices. Throughout the program you will receive in-person and offline workshops and volunteer experience.

Want to be apart of Show + Sale?
Applications will be open Fall 2025 for the 2025 Winter Market !

What is the Winter Market Experience
During the 2024 Winter Market:
- 110 students completed the Winter Market program.
- 92% of students sold at least 1 artwork
- Over 1300 people attended the two day in-person market!
- 96 Show + Sale artists collectively volunteered over 430 hours helping set up and run the market


FAQs about the Winter Market Program
Although we cannot guarantee sales, at Show + Sale we strongly believe that there is an audience for everything! Putting your artwork out into the market world is the first step to finding that audience. Through this program you will learn new skills to apply to future market endeavors and gain confidence in selling your work.
The Winter Market is a 8 week program, students are required to attend 3, one hour long professional development workshops, meet deadlines on time, attend mandatory meetings and training sessions, and submit documents. However, There is no expectation for the students to make new bodies of work to sell, or to prioritize Show + Sale over their school work!
All Jewelry + Metals majors will receive a table, chair and a black tablecloth, any extra display is not provided but is encouraged! Adding visual interest to your booth boosts attention from the customers. Your Department Representative and the Show + Sale team will help you at every step so that you feel confident and prepared to run your booth.
Application as an Artist Group has the same process as application as a solo artist. In the Jotform you will designate a lead student to fill out required information, and you will need an Artist Group name.
All students may apply!! If selected, the Demoing Artists are expected to attend 2 one hour training sessions in Oct-Nov and provide descriptions and artist statements etc. Demoing Artists will then take to the stage for one hour on Nov 15 or Nov 16 to show off their artwork and processes to the public at the Show + Sale Winter Market. This PAID opportunity is a fantastic way to get more confident in public speaking and adds a unique experience to your CV. Successful students will receive an honorarium, additional marketing, and mentorship.
During the program you will attend 3 workshops to learn the basics of pricing your artwork, creating an inventory, and writing a compelling artist statement. The 4 hour volunteer shifts are where you can learn to install various types of artwork or practice your networking skills with customers as well as participate in community building.
Show + Sale is a non-profit program and market. The 25% sales commission fee goes right back to the AUArts Community.
The sales commission directly funds:
- Student scholarships and FREE professional development for our school community.
- Offering participation in Show + Sale programs and workshops at no cost to students
- Hiring and providing work experience to current students and recent alumni.
- Covers the program's operating costs.
- Paying our program's participating artists' sales tax on their behalf, so that they do not need a business registration or a GST registration at this time.
What our Show + Sale alumni are saying
Diving into Show & Sale was such a thrill! Seeing my pieces presented on the digital platform, and then watching them find new homes, was exciting and was confirmation that I am on the right path with my ceramic practice.
Vivian Smith
BFA graduate 2023
Show and Sale was a supportive and low-risk introduction to markets and personal branding, and it’s something I think every AUArts student should try to take part in.
Terri Lemire-Wilson
BDes graduate 2023
As an emerging artist, the experience of participating in the Show + Sale has boosted my confidence in showcasing both my art and myself professionally. I would encourage all students to participate... it is well worth your time!
Elise Lavalee Findlay
BFA graduate 2023