USU students paint the campus with creativity at Artober Fest

Utah State University students had the opportunity to shop for student-made artwork, satisfy their sweet tooth and tap into their creative sides during Artober Fest on Oct. 27 in the TSC. 

Artober Fest is an annual event organized by the Student Involvement & Leadership Center that allows student artists to showcase their hard work and originality to their fellow classmates. Artober is open to students, faculty, staff and the general public. Any and all art is allowed, including photography, jewelry, pottery and more.  

The event was held in the Sunburst and International Lounge in the TSC. The entrance was decorated with a hand-painted, colorful banner featuring the words “Artober” and images of cobwebs and bats. 

After browsing the booths, cinnamon rolls and soda were served to attendees, and they were given the opportunity to make a homemade picture frame. Photo printers and pieces of tin foil were provided, alongside dotting tools to use for the craft.  

Brooke Schwartz, one of the artists, heard about the event through her email. She was selling her original ceramic work.  

Schwartz discovered her love for pottery after taking an introductory course in ceramics.  

Students browse ceramic pendants at a booth at Artober Fest in the TSC International Lounge on Oct. 27. (Ezra Robertson / The Utah Statesman)

“I decided that that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. I love the process. I love how hands-on it is, and I really like experimenting with surface tension or surface decoration and methods of making the surface more unique,” Schwartz said.  

Schwartz’s favorite pieces she displayed were a collection of mugs she made using a cheese grater. She fired the pieces in a soda kiln, which uses sodium bicarbonate to achieve its distinctive flashing pattern.  

Schwartz is currently part of a Bachelor of Fine Arts cohort that emphasizes how one can build a career as an artist.  

“We’re always talking about ways to get yourself involved in opportunities and how to build your professional career as an artist, because it’s pretty tough out here,” Schwartz said.  

Schwartz also recognized the importance of campuswide events like Artober and their impact on the community.  

“I think it’s important to give these opportunities to students that are low stakes. You don’t have to pay any sort of fee to apply, which I think is amazing, and it’s something that all students can get involved in and see things that their peers are working on,” Schwartz said. “I also think it’s really cool to meet everyone and see what people are up to.”  

Marie Tew, another artist present at the event, was showing attendees her work in photography. Tew grew up in Farmington, Utah and is a music therapy major. Tew discovered her passion for taking pictures after taking a class in middle school about photography and Photoshop. Tew had senior graduation pictures in the Teton Range on display, as well as some pictures she took for a close friend to announce her engagement.  

Too became interested in Artober after seeing a flyer about it on campus.  

“I think it’s important to give students the opportunity to get their name out and also connect with other artists and musicians. It shows that USU supports people and what they do, not just at school, but also outside of school,” Tew said.  

Tew reminisced about her beginnings as an artist and provided students who are interested in art with a piece of advice.  

“Don’t listen to your ‘imposter monster’ because imposter syndrome is so real. If you always have those negative thoughts in your head then you are never going to try, and then you are never going to improve, so put yourself into uncomfortable situations and believe in yourself,” Tew said.  

Another artist, Conalie Spiesman, was showing off his hand-cut ink prints. He has loved making art since he was a kid but started to take it more seriously in high school. Spiesman is a plant science major at USU and makes art in his free time. His favorite piece he displayed was a handmade ink print featuring a large, intricate beetle.  

“It took me about 20 hours, and then I had to roll out the ink, roll it onto the stamp, and then print it out onto the paper,” Spiesman said.  

 Spiesman also stressed the importance of supporting local artists and events like Artober.  

“Art is love. It’s just so important for everything, really. Having little events like this where you can see fellow students’ work and support them, and having crafts and food incentivizing people to come here, is necessary,” Spiesman said.  

From handmade pottery and photography to intricate ink prints, Artober Fest highlighted the variety of creative talents found throughout USU’s student body. The event offered artists a chance to showcase their work while encouraging attendees to explore their own creativity and support their fellow students.