Written by Sarah Kyle and Ryan Orr
For months, a group of Harding students have dreamed of a forum that would allow students to showcase their talents and homemade wares.
On April 9, these hopes will come to fruition in an event known as the Harding Bazaar.
The Bazaar, created by seniors Calea Bakke, Gabby Marcellini and Katherine Mitchell (in coalition with the Honors Council, Campus Activities Board and the Student Association), began to form after Mitchell and Bakke’s trip to Nashville over fall break.
“Katherine and I were driving back to Searcy from Nashville, and she turned to me and said, ‘You know, wouldn’t it be awesome if Harding had a fair or something where people could sell things they made?'” Bakke, the Bazaar’s director and organizer, said. “Then, I got really excited. We started brainstorming, and I asked if I could run with the idea. Before the end of the next week, the Harding Bazaar was born. And it took off like a rocket.”
Bakke said the event will host student artists and creators, giving “starving artists” a venue to promote their craft.
“Everything is handmade … by Harding students or faculty,” Bakke said. “We want to support the Harding version of the starving artist and create a tradition of supporting and celebrating creativity.”
“The main idea behind all of this is communication and increased awareness of the amazing talent we have to showcase,” Mitchell, the Bazaar’s treasurer, said. “This is something I think all iterations of the student body will need and want.
Bakke said the group plans to create a real bazaar feel with large tents and the outdoor environment, giving the event the look of a street market.
Though the Bazaar will not take place until April, Bakke said the process of making it a true success has already begun, with the application process now open.
For a $15 tent fee, students and faculty members can apply for a booth at the Bazaar through the event’s Facebook page, “Harding Bazaar.” Bakke said students are encouraged to partner with a friend to save costs and allow more participation.
So far, students can look forward to eight booths selling anything from puppets to handmade journals. Bakke said club Iota Chi will also be selling handmade goods to benefit She Dances, a nonprofit and awareness group for human sex trafficking.
By the end of the application process, Bakke said the Bazaar hopes to have 20 to 30 booths.
“I am extremely excited … not just to see the incredible things that people on campus make, but also for the sense of community that we hope to generate with the event itself,” Bakke said. “I hope it will become a Harding tradition.”
Applications are due by the beginning of spring break. For more information, visit the Harding Bazaar Facebook page.
