This fall, ceramics students from Pinckney High School were given the opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork at Michigan Unique Art, a store that hosted a holiday pop-up at Kensington Outlet Mall in Howell.
Students began preparing their pieces in late October, making pieces specifically intended for sale.
The stand opened in late November and continued throughout the holiday season. Most of the items sold were ceramic Christmas ornaments, along with some other pieces.
For many ceramics students, the experience was meaningful.
“I absolutely loved being able to create art knowing that so many people would see it and have the opportunity to take it home,” said Bella Wittrup.
“I love knowing that my art can have a place in someone’s everyday life. It’s almost as if a little piece of me is being put out into the world, and who knows where it could end up.”
Students also learned practical skills that were new to them.
Bella explained that the experience pushed her out of her comfort zone as an artist.
“For the first time in my whole life of doing art, I had to make multiple identical things.” she said.
“I chose to make ornaments that were all the same shapes, colors, and sizes, and it was definitely a learning experience.”
She also mentioned that pricing artwork proved to be tougher than she had anticipated, because she had to consider audience, location, and the true value of their work.
This was the hardest part for many students.
Opportunities like this help make the idea of pursuing art feel more attainable.
“The ceramics stand made art and making money off a passion project feel accessible for everyone,” Bella said.
“At the same time, it taught us that it isn’t easy […] you had to invest your time and creativity while having no way of knowing if it would pay off.”
She added that the experience inspired her to continue pursuing ceramics beyond high school.
The event was organized by ceramics teacher Mrs. Defibaugh, after Pearl Podlinsek, the owner of Michigan Unique Art, reached out and offered students a free table to sell their work.
Mrs. Defibaugh shared that the experience helped students build confidence in their abilities.
“I am really proud of the students who decided to participate in this unique program,” she said.
“Not all students wanted to sell their work, but those who did learned a lot about themselves and their ability to create something someone would want to buy.”
Much of the success of the ceramics stand came from Mrs. Defibaugh’s involvement.
“She was not compensated for managing the store for us, but she did it anyway,” Bella said.
“She has such a deep care for and investment into her students that she sacrificed her own valuable time and money to give us an opportunity she knew we’d enjoy and learn from.”
Mrs. Defibaugh added that she hopes students continue to take advantage of similar opportunities in the future and confirmed that she would love to organize an event like this again.
