MOORPARK : College Art Show Helps Students Earn Money, Shoppers Discover Bargains

Moorpark College student James Swabb said the hardest part about putting his work into the school’s art sale was giving it a price.

“You really don’t know what they sell for, what people are willing to pay,” Swabb said of the 39 prints and ceramic pieces that he entered in the show.

Swabb is one of dozens of students whose artwork is included in the college’s Spring Student Ceramics and Art Show that began Wednesday and will continue today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the ceramics studio.

The shows, held each May and December, allow students to make a little money selling their ceramics, paintings and prints, said ceramics teacher Kirk Aiken, who started the events 24 years ago.

He said the students set their own prices and keep all but the 20% of the proceeds; that portion goes to the art department. Total sales at December’s show were about $4,000.

But even with the money to be made, most students don’t put their best work into the show.

“I encourage them to keep the best pot for their mom,” Aiken said.

Swabb said he had included some of his favorite pieces. But he jacked up the prices on these works, such as $300 for a large, globe-shaped raku urn.

“I need the money,” Swabb said. “So if people will pay that much for it, I’ll take it.”

Most of the thousands of pieces in the show, however, can be bought for less than $20. They range from handmade greeting cards priced at $3 to decorative plates selling for $18.

Many of the shoppers Wednesday morning said they come to the sales to find unusual items at bargain prices.

“It’s not the sort of thing you see in the stores,” Thousand Oaks resident Marci Powers said as she perused the ceramic bowls, mugs and other items lining the tables. “And if you see them in the store, they’re about 10 times more expensive.”