On May 21 through May 24, La Salle’s art program held their annual art showcase and sale. At the end of each school year, students can participate by choosing to sell pieces of art they’ve made during their time in the class. Students often sell their ceramics, candles, ceramic jewelry, or prints and greeting cards of their fine art and photography. 

The showcase serves as an opportunity to put art on display and fundraise for the program. Art teacher Ms. Lakshmi Cha Asokan appreciates the showcase, as it gives the art program exposure and raises money for causes outside of the La Salle community. In previous years, funds have gone towards global issues, as the money raised last year was split between the art program and Ukrainian war relief efforts. This year, a portion of the funds are going towards the Oregon Food Bank.

“I really like community based art and giving back to the community through the arts,” Ms. Cha said. “It’s a time to teach my students how that feels and everybody seems to really enjoy it.” 

As an ongoing tradition, the showcase has been happening for around 20 years and is something that Ms. Cha has recognized that the community enjoys.

“It’s about creating things by hand that are authentically beautiful and that might mean something to somebody else,” she said. “It’s also a great way to take this really messy space, organized mess, chaotic mess, but organize and turn it into being able to see the finished work without all the mess behind it. That’s kind of cathartic in a way.”