Each gallery determines which items it will show. Cuddyer said she selects pieces based partially on her clients' preferences.
"Of course, I do want to make a sale," she said.
However, when sales are made, the galleries do not receive a portion of the price; a percentage benefits the Art Walk and the college's scholarship fund.
"Students are incredibly grateful for sales, especially in the holiday season," Fuld said. "For many, it is their first 'professional' sale."
Cuddyer added that there are other, more intangible benefits to participating. "It brings people into the gallery who might not normally come by," she said.
"I think she's excellent for the school; her class is probably one of the best at Laguna College," said student Eddie Brisco, who is working with the Esther Wells Collection.
"She is very insightful, and knows about the process of selling art," student Noah Thomas said. "She is a really good communicator, and just a positive person to work with."
Fuld assigned Cuddyer to student Anna Harrah, who will exhibit three examples of her textile art at the gallery during Art Walk.
To craft her Cigarette Dress, Harrah collected old cigarettes while studying in Aix-en-Provence for the summer. She used them to form a wide belt or obi in the ethereal costume. The skirt is composed of diaphanous Zig Zag rolling paper pockets which hold tobacco; hand-quilted fabric used in the bodice was dyed with wine and coffee. The effect is stunning from a distance, but equally startling up close.
For the Art Walk, the student is armed with their artist's statement and resume, and has acquired the skills to talk with the public about their work in a professional manner, Fuld said.
