Columbia’s Student Center was filled with students flipping through catalogs and browsing posters this week, searching for art that matched their interests or would fill an empty wall in their dorm or apartment.
For some students, the annual Poster Sale was more than a chance to decorate. It gave them an opportunity to talk with other students, discover shared interests and spend time on campus.
The event, held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8 and Wednesday, Sept. 9, was hosted by Poster Invasion, a woman-owned company that runs pop-up poster sales on college campuses. The company sells a variety of posters that range from movies, musical artists and video games alike.
Junior game art major Aliina Erkkila said the posters were affordable.
“Twelve to 16 bucks is not bad, especially for a huge poster,” Erkkila said.
First-year creative writing major Lilly Gentry said the Poster Sale was great for new students.
“An incredible idea, especially for all the freshmen,” Gentry said. “They’re looking for posters, stuff to decorate their walls.”
Aasia Lang, a first-year musical theatre major, said the sale was especially useful for students who were unable to bring decorations from home.
“I’m looking for funky posters more towards my interests,” Lang said, adding that she likes TV shows, music and art.
For some students, the event was a way for them to experiment with their decor, as well as celebrate and bond over their interests.
Tallie Olmos Elizondo, a sophomore film and television major, bought a poster from the artist Cassius Marcellus Coolidge that was informally titled “Dogs Playing Poker.” Olmos Elizondo wanted posters to decorate the blank walls in her apartment.
“I think the poster I got is meant to be in a frat basement but it looks even better in my girly apartment,” said Olmos Elizondo.
Gentry ended up buying a poster of Dolly Parton, one that her friend pointed out to her. She also appreciated all of the cat posters.
She said she found it easy to bond with other students who are looking for the same type of posters.
“It gives you something to talk about,” Gentry said.
Copy edited by Isaac Russo
