Arts Center’s Holiday Market Offers Unique Gift-Buying Opportunities

Published 8:47 am Tuesday, November 14, 2017

By Kate Snyder

Community Arts Center

Dionna Baker & Doug Smith – Whimsical items like this ceramic chicken planter by Dionna Baker and the painted wooden blocks by Doug Smith will also make an appearance at the Holiday Market.

Something new is coming to the Community Arts Center this holiday season. For the first time ever, the Arts Center will host a Holiday Market featuring handmade gifts by over thirty local and regional artists. Executive Director Niki Kinkade says the idea of the market has been percolating for several years. “We get so many people stopping into the Arts Center during the holidays, looking for unique, local gifts,” she says. “This year, we decided it was time to make that a reality!”

The Holiday Market will include wall art like this painting by David Farmer.

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While the Holiday Market will feature gifts by many of Danville’s best-known artists, the Arts Center has also invited artists from further afield to participate, bringing a broad range of artistic styles and gift types including pottery, jewelry, fiber art, stationary, wall art, and home décor. Some artists have even created “giftable” versions of their larger works, such as notecards and smaller wall art. As pieces sell, the Arts Center will restock the Market, but quantities of many items will be limited. “Many of these are one-of-a-kind pieces. If you see something you like, don’t hesitate!” counsels Kinkade.

Although the Holiday Market replaces the Arts Center’s well-known “Trees of the Season” exhibit, the Grand Hall will still house several large Christmas trees, lending to a festive feel for the Market. “We loved the ‘Trees of the Season’ exhibit,” says Creative Director Brandon Long, “but as an arts organization, we want to do everything we can to support the regional arts community. Giving artists more opportunities to sell their work is one way that we do that, along with exhibiting their work and hiring artists to teach our classes.”

Stacey Chinn Jewelry – Stacey Chinn will be one of several jewelry artists participating in the Holiday Market. Her ceramic jewelry will be joined by copper and bronze work by Nora Swanson and Swarovski crystal earrings by Geri Trinler.

Kinkade explains that the majority of the purchase price goes directly to local artists in the community while a modest commission supports the programs of the community Arts Center. She says, “Everybody wins when you shop at the Holiday Market. Patrons get amazing gifts for friends and family, artists sell their work, and the Arts Center has funding for more community programs.”

The Arts Center will launch the Holiday Market with an Opening Reception on Friday, November 17 from 5pm to 9pm. Thanks to a partnership with West Sixth Brewing, the reception will include beer and wine for sale by the glass along with a variety of snacks and appetizers. Live music will add to the atmosphere and many of the Holiday Market’s featured artists will be on-hand to discuss their work. The Opening Reception is free and open to the public.

Kathleen O’Brien Notecards – Harrodsburg artist Kathleen O’Brien has adapted some of her mixed media artwork into notecards that will be for sale at the Holiday Market.

The Holiday Market will be open November 17 through December 23. Daily hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11am to 7pm and Saturdays 10am to 5pm.

COMING UP

Paint-Your-Own Ornaments

Looking for a fun family activity? Create a special Christmas ornament! The Arts Center will have paint-your-own ceramic ornaments available during regular business hours November 18 through December 16. Ornaments start at just $7 – price includes all materials and firing. Pieces will be ready for pickup in approximately 10 days. 11am to 7pm Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.

Clay Nativity Workshop

Mondays, November 27 & December 4

4pm to 5:30pm | $35 | Open to grades 2-6

During this two-day workshop, students will create a simple nativity scene from clay. Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.

Starry Night Studio: Christmas Elf

Saturday, November 18 | 1pm to 3pm | $28 per painter

This whimsical painting of a cheerful elf is a must-have piece for any family that enjoys Elf on the Shelf. Kids ages 7 and up may attend without a parent! Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.

Starry Night Studio: Snowman

Saturday, November 25 | 1pm to 3pm | $28 per painter

Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and friendly snowman. This class coincides with the Heart of Danville’s Christmas festivities. Paint you snowman, check out the ice rink at Weisiger Plaza, then enjoy the downtown tree-lighting and Christmas parade! Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.

Starry Night Studio: Rustic Christmas Trees

Tuesday, November 28 | 7pm to 9pm | $28 per painter

Deep in the forest, a Christmas surprise awaits… Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.

Night at the Museum – Elf Village!

Friday, December 1 (overnight!) | 6:30pm to 8:30am 

$40 per child | Open to grades 2-6

Grab your sleeping bag and get ready for a fun-filled sleepover! Children will enjoy elf-related art activities, make cards for senior citizens, explore the galleries by flashlight, and watch a holiday movie. Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.

KY Ornament Workshop

Wednesday, December 6 | 7pm to 8:30pm | $25

Show your Kentucky spirit this holiday season! Your registration fee includes four ceramic Kentucky ornaments (designed exclusively for the Arts Center) and all the materials needed for you to personalize your ornament. Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.

Kids Holiday Workshop

Saturday, December 9 | 10am to 2pm | $35 per child

3 years to 5th grade

Need to get a little holiday shopping done? Hoping to give a few home-made gifts to grandpa and grandma this year? Drop your aspiring artist at the Arts Center for a day of fun-filled holiday art projects. Children will be divided into groups by age and all participants need to bring a lunch. Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.

Kids Ornament Workshop

Tuesday, December 12 OR Wednesday, December 13

4pm to 5pm | $12 per person

Drop your kids at the Arts Center for an afternoon of ornament making! Keep their projects for your own tree or give them as gifts to friends, family, or teachers!

** Homeschool ornament workshop Thursday, December 14, 10am to 11am **

Winter Break Camp

Wednesday to Friday, December 20 to 22

9am to 4pm | $40 per day

Celebrate the season with a variety of fun winter projects. Sign up for one day or come all three – we’ll be doing different activities each day. Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.

Starry Night Studio: Little Town of Bethlehem

Tuesday, December 12 |7pm to 9pm | $28 per person

Bring the beloved hymn to life at our most popular holiday painting class of all time! Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.

Starry Night Studio: Christmas Eve in the Chapel

Sunday, December 17 | 2pm to 5pm | $35

Create a gorgeous Christmas painting during this leisurely afternoon class. We’ll provide cookies and beverages while a professional artist guides you, step-by-step, from blank canvas to finished masterpiece. Register online at www.communityartscenter.net.