Holiday Art Sale
Hours
- 5-8 p.m. - Thursday, Nov. 29
- 9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Friday, Nov. 30
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Saturday, Dec. 1
Location: 1910 Doudna Fine Arts Center
Contact: 581-3410
With a selection of handmade items ranging from ceramic dishes to jewelry to little toy trains, the 26th annual Holiday Art Sale offers unique, locally made gifts for nearly every person on your shopping list.
"All the items are handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items," said organizer Sue Rardin. "These people put their hearts and souls into these, and they're collectible."
The shop -- which will be open Nov. 29-Dec. 1 -- features works from around 30 area artists each year, and about a third of those are students.
"We're always trying to draw in new artists," said Rardin, who is in her 16th year of chairing the Holiday Art Sale Committee. "It's constantly changing."
Among the new items this year are wooden trains created by Jeff Boshart's sculpting students, who have created about 50 different rail cars that can be combined in various combinations by the buyers.
Just as important as the new selection is the fact that many of the artists have been involved for many years, and purchasing their work has become a holiday tradition for many area shoppers, Rardin said.
Annual favorites include ceramics, especially useable cups, bowls, serving dishes and other containers; many different styles of jewelry; stained glass; wood cutting boards; purses; and knitted scarves.
Forty percent of the cost of each item goes to the Art Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to an average of 20 students per year. "It helps the kids out with money for supplies and things they need," said Rardin, who is the art department's office administrator.
Boshart said he always encourages his students to create works for the sale, as it is a great way for them to not only give back to the art department, but also to make some spending money to take home for the holidays.
Last year's move from the Tarble Arts Center to the Doudna Fine Arts Center seemed to bring in a larger crowd, Rardin said. The shop -- located in 1910 Doudna -- will be filled with music, and refreshments are available, making it a festive atmosphere for shoppers as they search for just the right items.
