Looking ahead at the holidays, do you often think you’d like to give unique gifts – one-of-a-kind pieces that the recipient will really cherish? Sure, there are websites offering such items, but why not “shop local” at the Artists Collective | Spartanburg’s 2024 Holiday Artisan Market Nov. 5 through Dec. 28.
“This much-anticipated annual market will feature works of 38 regional artists. These works will include everything from acrylic paintings to sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and just about everything in between,” says Nancy Williamson, one of the artists and chairperson of the Holiday Artisan Market Committee. “Every piece is original and unique, and sure to please any recipient, and while you’re at it, pick up something – or a few things – for yourself.” Prices of the art will range from under $5 to more than $1,000.
The market will take place in the Solomon Gallery on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, every Thursday, except Thanksgiving Day, it will be open late – until 8 p.m. “Our Thursday evening hours will be very special”, continues Williamson. “During the Thursday evenings of November 7th and 14th and December 5th and 12th, the artists will provide materials and instructions for simple craft projects. Visitors may participate free of charge to make the craft of the evening. Projects will vary from things like making holiday ornaments to decorating holiday cookies. Simple refreshments will be served.
“During third-Thursday ArtWalk evenings of November 21st and December 19th, many of the member artists will be on-site to greet visitors and will be available to talk about their work. These evenings will feature special refreshments and on the evening of Thursday, November 21, live music will be provided by Tim Bethea.
Beth Regula, chair of the management board of the Artists Collective, adds, “Later hours on Thursdays will make it easier for people – especially those who work during the day – to shop with us and find their unique gifts. Our annual Holiday Artisan Market has become a favorite shopping spot for patrons looking for unique, locally-made gifts for their loved ones. Shopping at the Collective also bolsters the local economy. Everything that we sell is made by our members who live in Spartanburg and surrounding counties.”
“Items offered during the two-month market will be replenished, so there will always be plenty from which to choose,” Williamson adds. “Our artists are well prepared for this event. We have stocked up on some of the items that we believe will be popular this year. Aside from the market, we encourage people to visit the other galleries and studios in the building.”
Participating artists include Monica Arledge, Teda Barrows, Chuck Bishop, Christine Blackburn, Pat Cato, Kimberly Christopher Rodriguez, B Collins, Robyn Crawford, Patrick DeCrane, Pat Edwards, Marcy Fedalei, Peter Harding, JARFLY, Jason Huffman, Tipton Jones- Boiter, Thomas Koenig, Judith Kolva, John Lever, Karina Manukyan (ManuKari Ceramics), Judy Martin, Rosemary McLeod, Sydney McMath, Karin Patrick, Shannon Patrick, Beth Regula, Gale Roberts, David Sawyer, Cassandra Stephens-Johnson, Carol Story, Brandi Tucker, Miriam Tucker-Jones, Garry Turpin, Jim Weber, Sally Y Weber, Joan Wheatley, Nancy Williamson, Skye Winter, and Patty Wright.
