With money for the arts at an all-time low, Amador Valley High School art instructor and Art Club advisor Michael Doyle wanted to find another way to fundraise in addition to the school’s once-a-year Pigskin Roast.

His idea to hold a Holiday Bazaar on Thursday was met with an enthusiastic thumbs up from all members of the club.

“The Art Club is one of the most active clubs at school, and everyone pitched in to help make things to sell,” says Doyle, pointing to the tables filled with holiday ornaments, brightly colored cards, and giant paper stars.

“We got together at lunchtime and after school to plan it and invited other clubs and organizations to participate.”

Across the Multi-Purpose Room where the event was held, art students were drawing caricatures of customers, and ceramics instructor Neil Bello was selling impressive-looking cups and bowls made by his students.

Ericka Castro, vice president of the Art Club, thinks the event was a good idea for reasons beyond fundraising.

“We also wanted to bring awareness to the arts and to our department,” she says.

“People can see us and appreciate what we do and how important art is to the school and to the community.”

The Art Department also has an exhibit of student works hanging in Nonni’s Bistro in downtown Pleasanton through December, Erika noted.

Linyan Tian, president of the club, says the money they raise will help fund field trips, open art studios, supplies, and guest lecturers.

Other clubs and organizations were thrilled to be invited to be part of the holiday festivities, which also included a visit from Santa Claus.

“We heard about this from our advisor and thought it would be a good idea to promote Cheer,” says Megan Sensiba, a member of the AVHS Varsity Cheerleading Competition Team.

“Everyone contributed and we’re selling Rocky Road, caramel corn, Muddy Buddies, gift tags, sweatshirts, and embroidered bags.”

Megan says the team also raises money during the year by offering cheer clinics for any kids who want to learn.

Anna Kundmann, a well-spoken representative of the popular Catering class, had a place behind a table filled with lots of homemade chocolately items: hot fudge sauce, chocolate cookies with peppermint kisses, brownie mix, and chocolate-covered pretzels.

“We made all this food plus we make muffins for the school every Friday and we even made an entire Thanksgiving dinner,” says Anna, who says her class also learns the business of pricing and selling food.

“We’ll use the money we earn to buy supplies so we can make more food!”