For the past 15 winters, the Visual Arts Student Union has given students a venue to sell their artwork.

Silence, an annual silent auction and art exhibit hosted by VASU and held in the Snelgrove gallery, allows students to keep between 50 and 75 per cent of the sales from their artwork depending on whether or not they also volunteer for the function. The remaining percentage goes to VASU.

“We made approximately $500 last year,” said Aralia Maxwell, one of the event’s organizers. ”VASU is a non-profit organization and all of our profits go back to the students in the form of the Friday figure drawing sessions and BFA scholarships, among other things.”

With the help of Samantha Braun, Jordan Bulgis, Katlynn Balderstone, Stacie Huculak, Tyson Atkings and Kate Blackport, Maxwell has been organizing this year’s event since September.

“Silence is on the back of VASU’s mind for most of the year,” Maxwell said. “Last year was quite successful! Everyone in attendance had [a] blast and this year will be even better.”

The artwork for sale will include paintings, drawings, photos, prints and sculptures “of all shapes and sizes” from approximately 30 artists. VASU only asks that the submissions come from union members. Each artist can submit up to 10 pieces and the exhibit is diverse in content.

“There is no theme at Silence. That’s the beauty of Silence. It gives student artists a chance to showcase their work to the community without having to put on an entire show themselves,” Maxwell said.

Although the focus of the show will be shared fairly equally among the artists, there are a few returning pieces that Maxwell is excited about.

“One gentleman submits a Lego sculpture every year and donates all of the profits back to VASU. At the moment we just have a duffle bag of Lego, but sometime in the next week or so, the artist will transform it into an amazing artwork!”

In addition to the Lego sculpture, VASU’s organizers have put together a Bob Ross — best known as the host of the TV show, The Joy of Painting — photo booth.

“We spent part of this past weekend painting a magical Bob Ross inspired mountain landscape on to three doors. The photo booth will also feature some Bob Ross cardboard masks,” Maxwell said.

VASU will be serving snacks and drinks, including cheap beer and wine, for exhibit goers while DJ Weatherboy will be spinning music for the evening’s entertainment.

“There will be free homemade appetizers and desserts as well as a keg from Paddock Wood and an assortment of fine wines,” Maxwell said. “Also, local businesses have been very kind and donated many door prizes for exhibit-goers to win.”

Silence opens Dec. 3 and concludes with a reception on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.

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Photo: Raisa Pezderic/The Sheaf