One of A Kind Gifts

Years ago, when I was a kid, I received a gift of a handmade silk handkerchief case with my name hand stitched on it.  At the time, I was disappointed that it wasn’t something store bought. But, truth be told, I remember that gift more vividly than any other I ever received.  Funny the way something made by hand stays with you, as though the physicality of it contains some loving memory of the creator. Its one-of-a-kind-ness instantly makes it a keepsake. During this season of giving, especially in our disposable society, it is nice to give and receive a gift handmade in America.  It carries with it not only the spirit of the giver, but that of the maker.

There are many opportunities to shop for such keepsake items this Sunday, December 2^nd, as four sites are playing host to holiday craft sales in conjunction with Free Arts Day:

• At ArtsWestchester in White Plains, we’re holding our third annual Holiday Gift Boutique in our gallery from 11am-5pm (also open Saturday), and are hosting six events at various times, including our Celebrities exhibition, two jewelry-making workshops, a sculpture and tile painting workshop, a fashion sketching workshop, and the play, Love, Loss and What I Wore.
• Blue Door Gallery in Yonkers presents its Annual Holiday Exhibition and Sale of arts and crafts from 12-5pm, along with a paper snowflake workshop from 10am-3pm
• Clay Art Center in Port Chester hosts their Annual Holiday Sale, 10am-4pm, featuring fine and functional ceramics by 52 artists, in addition to an empty bowls workshop.
• Pelham Art Center exhibits its Annual “Craft-Tastic” show and sale of artisan’s work, 11am-4pm, and also offers workshops during a Diwali celebration from 1:30-3:30pm, where you can make art, learn traditional dance and even get a henna tattoo.

Maybe you’ll find a keepsake of your own, something one of a kind that will stay with you for years to come. And, you’ll be supporting local artisans at the same time – it’s a win-win!