BAYarts' holiday shop inspires
Each year, the entire first floor of BAYarts' Huntington House transforms into a festive Holiday Shop, featuring handmade holiday goods from over 100 local artists.
Items featured in the holiday shop include jewelry, furniture, stationery, soaps, framed photography and paintings, holiday decor, headbands, tutu's, ceramics and much more. Shop manager Karen Petkovic says you can anticipate seeing lots of cool refurbished furniture "with vintage flair" from Vintage Novella, while Kiowa will be offering tables and frames made from re-claimed barn wood.
Petkovic noted that a wide-variety of jewelry is always available. "Ally M. Designs is back this year with her initial and symbol jewelry that has a vintage look. We will also carry Freckle Face jewelry handcrafted with silver and unique beaded detail. Handmade hammered jewelry by B. Fatica features large hoops and unique bracelets and necklaces with handcrafted hardware. Beth Hickey will feature her unique silver and beach glass bangles. Deb Conway will have designer-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces."
For those who are less interested in jewelry, other best sellers of the BAYarts Holiday Shop include local art signs, coasters and pictures featuring local places – Bay Village, Westlake, Lakewood and more. Petkovic also has creative holiday decorations for your home. "Beach-themed items with driftwood and nautical elements are always a big hit. Large holiday signs expressing the joy of the season and local handmade soaps and lotions are very popular."
Not sure what to buy the men in your life? The BAYarts Holiday Shop includes shaving kits with local, handmade shaving bars and brushes, as well as bow ties from Tidal Cool Creations, which feature hip vintage fabrics.
As always, a BAYarts gift bag with tissue and decorative ribbon is available for all of your purchases, eliminating the need to fuss with gift wrapping at home.
The clever in-house wishlist program makes it possible for you to reference a list of what your friends or family members have made a special note of liking in the shop, as well as which artisans they love best.
"The shop is special for so many ways," emphasizes Petkovic. "It allows us to feature our friends and artists in a completely unique retail environment decorated with love and care. The shop proceeds allow BAYarts to continue its mission to bring art and programs to our community."
Want to make the day even more of an experience? BAYarts hospitality coordinator Andi Cleveland will be serving up bold coffee, hot chocolate, and locally-made baked goods from the Fuller Coffee Cart. "You can sit and talk with other parents while looking out at the gorgeous Metroparks while your kids share cookies and explore the trolley," explains Cleveland.
The shop welcomes the season with an open house on Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. "The opening day of our Holiday Shop always brings in a happy crowd of shoppers, and many of the items are completely one-of-a-kind, so you don't want to miss them," notes BAYarts Executive Director Nancy Heaton.
The BAYarts Holiday shop is open Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays (open until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and noon-5 p.m. Sundays.