And that’s the specific goal for the “New and Emerging” artists tent, where seven artists show off their craft and promote their name.
East Lansing resident Mason Taylor, who’s work was featured, said he was unprepared on the first day, but received good feedback from festival attendees.
“I got a lot of leads; there’s a few people that want to put me in their gallery,” Taylor said.
For MSU alumnus Matthew Holben, his success at the festival might help him decide whether painting is just a hobby or a new career.
Holben decided to participate in the festival after hearing about it from the artist he shares a studio with, who took part in the festival in 2010.
Before showcasing in the festival, artists are required to submit four pieces to be judged.
The East Lansing Art Festival Board of Directors chooses an experienced panel of judges based on their knowledge of art, and then the judges evaluate each applicant based on their area of expertise.
Holben said art was one of his hobbies in high school, but he’s picked it up again in the past few years.
In the beginning of May, he said he began preparing for the show by pricing his paintings and gathering the supplies necessary to help display the art.
Holben described his art as abstract and said his work is color-based, drawing inspiration from the work of abstract painter Gerhard Richter.
Holben said the festival helped him learn what people like and which price points are effective.
“A lot of small children seem to like bright colors, so I get a lot of kids and parents in here and I can sometimes talk parents into buying stuff, which is nice,” Holben said.
Holben’s brother Ethan, a Brooklyn, N.Y., resident, said he and his brother grew up artistically inclined.
“Matt has been making artwork as long as I can remember through all sorts of mediums,” Ethan Holben said. “I think seeing him here, he’s really crystallized what he’s doing as far as discovering oil and creating this texture and pattern based artwork.”
Taylor said being a part of the festival as an emerging artist helped him gain exposure in the community and motivated him to continue honing his craft.
“Being around all these great artists is inspiring,” Taylor said.
