Graphic Design classes hosted the first “School’s Out For The Summer” Flea Market on the Feldman Horn Quad on May 24. Graphic Design students sold and displayed the merchandise they made during the school year. All proceeds from the event went to the Garment Worker Center in Los Angeles, a workers’ rights organization fighting for social and economic justice for low-wage garment workers.
Graphic Design Teacher Whitney Lasker said he was inspired to host this event in order to showcase his students’ work.
“All semester, the students have been working on creating their own brands,” Lasker said. “It just made sense to have some sort of market at the end where the students got a chance to see their items for sale and engage the community with what we have been working on.”
Lasker said he most enjoyed brainstorming the layout of the flea market.
“I really liked coming up with fun ideas about how we can have fun with laying things out,” Lasker said. “We all had a lot of fun learning how to market-buying and selling.”
Gian Ngo-Willis ’26, who sold his designs at the flea market, said he appreciated how the market enabled him to become closer with school community members.
“My favorite part in planning this has definitely been meeting other community members,” Ngo-Willis said. “Through this experience, I’ve been able to make connections that I otherwise wouldn’t have. The school community was really strengthened because of this event.”
Lila Wimbish ’26, a graphic design student, said her experience at the flea market improved her entrepreneurship skills.
“Through the flea market, I learned how to set good prices for my work,” Wimbish said. “I also learned to think of all the factors that went into selling my artwork. I will definitely use what I’ve learned from selling at the flea market in future events that require entrepreneurship skills.
Wimbish said she has enjoyed watching her classmates create their artwork as she values learning from the people around her.
“I’ve most enjoyed seeing what the other people in my class have made,” Wimbish said. “I feel like you can learn so much from the people around you.”
Abraham Avalos ’ 26 said he was glad to see his friends’ artwork on display.
“My friends love showing me what they are working on in their Graphic Design class,” Avalos said. “It was nice to see the work they have been talking about on display.”
Avalos said he appreciated the excellent customer service from students and faculty.
“The shopkeeping and management was excellent,” Avalos said. “All of the dealers were very nice and easy to work with. The teachers and sellers answered all of my questions and showed me pieces that they thought I’d like. The environment was very welcoming.”
Seamus Wilson ’26 said he was excited to purchase a piece of the students’ artwork, especially knowing the proceeds would go to a good cause.
“I bought this really cool hoodie that I like,” Wilson said. “The fact that the proceeds were going to a good cause encouraged me to attend the event and purchase their artwork.”
