The University of Ulster’s Belfast campus will be turned into an Aladdin’s Cave of exquisite, handcrafted artwork during its annual Christmas sale and exhibition next week.

A stunning treasure trove of ceramics, glass, jewellery and silversmithing, prints, paintings, photographs and textiles will be showcased during the four-day event which is open to the public.

Christmas shoppers are invited to browse among the fabulous display of over 150 handmade pieces, each one a unique example of the expertise and skill of Northern Ireland’s emerging creative talent.

The event promises to deliver something for everyone, with all tastes catered for – from the traditional to the contemporary – and with prices starting from as little as £5 it will suit all budgets.

Showcasing their individual creations are the 2012 Artists/Designers in Residence and students from the Contemporary Applied Art course, Fine Art course and the Textile, Art Design and Fashion Course.

The sale and exhibition gives these artists a chance to introduce their work into the commercial market and is the perfect opportunity for the discerning Christmas shopper to pick up an original piece of artwork.

Debbie Fraser, Associate Head of School of Art and Design at Ulster, said Christmas was the ideal time of year to put the students’ talents on display.

“The sale and exhibition provides our students with a showcase to promote themselves to the public in a professional manner,” she explained.

“It will allow them to engage, possibly for the first time, in entrepreneurial activity and to experience the commercial side of the art world.

“This platform also gives the public an opportunity to chose the exhibitors they will look out for in the future – those whose innovation, design, vision and commerciality set them apart.”

Work from this show will be selected by the Director and Staff of Craft NI to create the Craft NI Christmas Exhibition which will run until January 2013 in Cotton Court, Waring Street, Belfast.

The Christmas sale and exhibition opens at the Belfast Campus, York Street on Tuesday December 11 from 6pm until 9pm. It continues on Wednesday and Thursday from 10am until 5pm and on Friday from 10am until 4pm.