Artwork by Maryland artists make affordable, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts
12-06-2011
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Artwork by Maryland artists make
affordable, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts
Arts organizations also offer do-it-yourself workshops, projects
BALTIMORE (Dec. 06) – Want to buy a unique holiday gift, support local enterprise and indulge your creative side – all at the same time? Then consider a visit to a local gallery, artwork holiday sale or arts-center gift shop, says the Maryland Office of Tourism.
"As you travel across Maryland, you'll find plenty of opportunities to purchase signature jewelry, ceramics, paintings, textiles and other distinctive local artwork," says Margot Amelia, executive director of the tourism office. "These original, hand-crafted items make wonderful gifts."
"You can also work with arts instructors and experts to make your own gifts," says Theresa Colvin, executive director of the Maryland State Arts Council. "Or, why not give the gift of an art class?"
Here is a selection of places across the state where you can either purchase the work of local artists or create your own masterpiece:
Western Maryland
- Art for Giving, C. William Gilchrist Museum, Cumberland (Allegany County) – This exhibition – through December – presents the work of 63 local artists representing a variety of disciplines, including: fiber, jewelry, metal, mixed-media, photography, sculpture and paintings. The property is an early 19th-century Federal mansion with six renovated galleries and art library.
- Art-o-Mat machine, Saville Gallery, Cumberland (Allegany County) – Last January, the Allegany County Arts Council installed Maryland's first Art-o-Mat – a converted cigarette vending machine that dispenses original artwork – in its gallery. The machine offers individual items of artwork from 22 artists for $5 apiece. Some 400 artists contribute their work to more than 90 Art-o-Mats around the U.S.
- Holiday Open House and Reception, Dec. 9, The Gallery Shop, Oakland (Garrett County) – The Garrett County Arts Council presents a kitchen show featuring such hand-crafted gifts as: paintings and photographs of produce; wooden bowls; cutting boards; rolling pins; pepper mills; mugs; and woven rugs.
- Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown – This regional museum, which has more than 7,000 works of art – including significant holdings of European and American art from the 16th century to the present – offers a year-round schedule of art classes for adults and children. It also has a gift shop.
Capital Region
- Art for the Holidays, The Delaplaine Arts Center, Frederick – The artwork of resident and area artists is on display and available for purchase at The Delaplaine's Gift Gallery through Dec. 30.
- Bethesda Art Walk, Dec. 9 (Montgomery County) – Galleries and studios in Bethesda open their doors, 6-9 p.m., on the second Friday of every month. Free guided-tours of participating galleries begin at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Old Georgetown Road and Wisconsin Avenue.
- Mansion Shop at Strathmore, North Bethesda (Montgomery County) – Hand-crafted jewelry, textiles, stationery, decorative gifts, and children's books and creative kits are available at the store and online. Strathmore provides a range of arts programming in the Mansion at Strathmore, the Music Center at Strathmore and on its 11-acre site.
- Women, Wine & Art-making Workshops, Dec. 9 and Jan. 20, CREATE Art Center Silver Spring (Montgomery County) – Bring wine, a group leader and your creative urges to the center where an expert will lead you through the creative process. Registration required.
- Dancing Bear's Holiday Market, Dec. 9-10, 16-17, Cultural Arts Center, Frederick – Handcrafted fair-trade gifts, priced at $10 and under, are available. Children can shop "in secret" as parents wait nearby. They can also wrap their gifts. Portion of proceeds benefits Frederick Arts Council.
Central Maryland
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