On Tuesday the 25th, I attended the Visual Arts Course Union’s “Shitshow.” I first saw the collage styled poster donning the concrete poles of the UNC building a couple of weeks ago and thought it would be fun to attend. One of my friends later asked if someone would want to go and sell art there with her. I gladly agreed and we walked in on Tuesday at 11am to the EME foyer to set up the booth. What we found was an excellent event full of artists and art lovers all supporting each other.
Some will raise an eyebrow at the mention of any kind of ‘shitshow’, but the name plays on the common conception of craft fairs as places for very seasoned and professional artists. The Shitshow is a nod to the show’s loose nature. Vendor applications were accepted up to the morning of the show and what the vendors were selling was entirely up to them. Some sold miscellaneous handmade goods and some sold zines. I personally sold prints of my art I had just done in the library that morning.
This looser structure allows students from all different academic backgrounds to feel less daunted by the idea of selling their art. There were many people there in the arts and humanities, but also some in STEM degrees, my friend included. For those who enjoy art but do not have it as their main focus of study, it can be difficult to carve out time to do everything. What often gets cut is whatever you are not directly studying. The generally low-stakes and relaxed guidelines of the Shitshow gives everyone a chance to make art their focus, even just for a few hours. Setting just those few hours aside for art keeps you connected to what you love and to the community that loves it too.
My friend commented to me multiple times about how she feels like she just does not have time to draw and create anymore, but both of us drew for most of the time we were there. At home, she has connections to the thriving Calgary zine-scene. She makes wonderful zines and it hurts to think that she has no time to do that anymore.
Even in an arts degree, sometimes the kind of art one enjoys is not the focus of study. Things like textile arts may not get recognized until later in a visual arts degree. There are many different types of art and maybe academics just do not do your style justice. These are just some of the many reasons events like this are important.
A little bit after setting up, two of the members of the VACU’s executive staff came around the booths and welcomed all of us. Some of these executive members even ran booths with their own art. This fostered a sense of community which only heightened throughout the afternoon.
People trickled through and looked at all the pieces, many even purchased and supported the artists by buying some of their assorted goods. Great conversation was had with those who stopped by, but also between the vendors themselves. Each vendor, at some lull in the crowd, did their own walkthrough of the vendors. We chatted while buying and selling each other’s wares. In the end, whatever money I made went right back into the art of others.
There was a great sense of community brought on by both the interactions between the VACU’s team and the other vendors. It really felt like being a part of an artist’s community. That feeling of being encouraged while also encouraging others really brings a sense of contentment, regardless of what you chose to sell that day.
While non-artists funding art is a very crucial part of keeping arts alive, community among artists is maybe the greatest jumping off point for many. Any art movement throughout history has not been the product of one person, but rather the product of many people sharing ideas. Think of any famous artist and I guarantee they are associated with some kind of group that helped them forward in style and expression. Regardless of skill, being connected with other artists allows beautiful ideas and creations to come to fruition.
If you are at all interested in meeting and being around other artists, I would highly recommend keeping an eye on the VACU’s Instagram (@vacu_team). If you create art — no matter what major you may be — attending events like the Shitshow will benefit your practice and help you get to know other people that share your interests.
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