Local artisans offer opportunities to exercise your gift-giving skills
Do people really enjoy shopping at their desks for mass-produced schlock? Shop local and give the gift of original art. The exercise could do some good for your body (walking!), mind (viewing!) and creative community (supporting!).
Buying pottery handmade by a real artist is officially a “trend,” so it’s nice to know that Spokane has been on the cutting edge for years now. More than 30 professional ceramicists from all over the country and Canada have created their odes to the cup for you to enjoy at Trackside Studio Ceramic Art Gallery’s third annual “Cup of Joy” show. Local ceramicist Ken Turner likened his daily ritual of choosing a drinking vessel to a form of seduction: “The cup is after all the most intimate of ceramic objects; we receive its warmth and carefully place our lips to its rim as if to kiss.” “Cup of Joy” opens with a reception on Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and continues two more days, Dec. 2 and Dec. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. 115 S. Adams. Or shop online starting at 8 a.m. on Dec. 2 at
Yearly decorations take on even more meaning when handmade by your own community. More than 40 Spokane creatives have produced mini works of art for purchase at Spokane Art School for its annual “Ornament and Small Works Show.” The show has grown bigger every year with something unique for every taste. Going on now through Dec. 23, Monday through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 811 W. Garland Ave.
A quick jaunt to Cheney leads to Eastern Washington University’s Eagle Made: Student and Alumni Bazaar. The show features 14 booths with one-of-a-kind art available for sale from local artists who are current and past students. Open Mondays through Fridays from Noon to 5 p.m. But get there soon since the sale ends Dec. 1. 404 Second St., Cheney.
New Moon Art Gallery is putting on a special “Deck your Halls with Our Holiday Sale” show. Local artists are offering paintings, jewelry, fiber art, mosaics, art glass, photography, artisan cards, prints and more at discounted prices throughout the gallery. Open extended hours from now through Dec. 23 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 7 pm., and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1326 E. Sprague Ave.
Pottery Place Plus next to Auntie’s is always a safe bet for finding locally made gifts. The collective’s member artists are truly “bringing it” this holiday season. From dishes and cutting boards to scarves and journals, the artisanship is popping! Open Mondays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 203 N. Washington St.
Terrain’s PopUp Shop will continue to offer its handmade goods from some of the region’s raddest creative businesses. Jewelry pieces, floral designs, housewares, body care products, leather goods, toys, prints, fine art and more from all over the Inland Northwest are available for placing under the tree. Wednesdays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 159 S. Lincoln.
The Perry District’s new art gallery, Tsuga Northwest Arts, is brimming with pieces by more than 30 artists, curated for those who live and love the Pacific Northwest. Paintings, photography, woodwork, leather-craft, jewelry, cutlery, ceramics, custom fly fishing rods, wearable art and more are offered at the gallery’s first Holiday Art Show. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1114 S. Perry St.
The artists who belong to the Saranac Art Projects cooperative have created another unusual, funky, and fun show in time for holiday gift-giving. The gallery tries to keep prices down in order to encourage starting a fine art collection with small, affordable works, including one-of-a-kind cards, hand-pulled prints, unusual magnets and unique ceramics. The show runs from Dec. 2 through Dec. 31, with an opening reception Dec. 1 from 4 to 9 p.m. Open Thursdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. 25 W. Main Ave.
OK, so this next one’s not completely local, but in a good way. Next weekend will be the 33rd annual Festival of Fair Trade celebrating artisans from around the world, including Nepal, Mexico, Chile and Guatemala. Shoppers can support local importers who pay artisans fair wages. An assortment of handmade jewelry, clothing, handbags, carpets, scarves and gifts will be for sale Friday, Saturday and Nov. 26 in the Community Building at 35 W. Main Ave.