It’s holiday giving time and one of the best gifts you can give is art. It’s unique, creative and thoughtful. We are lucky enough to live in a region filled with talented musicians, artists, artisans and actors who share their talents with the community.
Do you have a music lover in your circle of friends and family? Tickets to a symphony concert or a gift certificate to the Paramount Center for the Arts make great gifts. Many of our local venues offer gift certificates and live music for your music loving friends. For theater lovers, tickets to one of our regional theaters, either professional or community theater, can fill hearts with joy. Buy an extra ticket for yourself and enjoy an evening making memories together.
Unique, handcrafted items make thoughtful, heart-warming gifts and support local artists and small businesses. You can even share experiences such as a painting or ceramics party with your friends and family.
Instead of buying a mass-produced piece of jewelry this year, consider a pair of handcrafted earrings or custom piece made locally just for your special person. Art prints, books, hand-woven scarves, pottery, stained glass, fabric art, photographs, sculpture and more are available throughout the region. Many of the offerings are thought-provoking, beautiful and even quite practical, such as cutting boards, mugs, baskets and blankets.
The options created by local artists and craftspeople are varied, eye-catching and affordable. Galleries also offer gift certificates in case you can’t make up your mind.
Unlike buying from Etsy or other online sources, when you buy local, your money stays in the community. You can also see and feel the quality of the piece before you buy and sometimes even talk to the artist. You get a unique, creative item to bring beauty into your life or share as a gift.
In this issue we have included short profiles of artisans and craftsmen who sell through A Work of Arts Gallery and Gifts, Bristol, Tennessee. There are many more places throughout the area that have artistic creations for holiday gift ideas. Many carry extra stock during the gift-giving season to ensure a wide selection.
There is also a variety of artist studios where visitors are welcome to observe, learn and purchase.
