THIS holiday season, before you resign yourself to buying another generic gift set, consider giving a gift with some love behind it.
Buying art from local artists and makers is a win-win situation. You’re supporting local artisans, and you’re giving a unique gift. In an artsy town like ours, there’s no shortage of creative people making art.
Luckily for us all, this week is jam-packed with craft fairs, gallery open houses, craft-making sessions and even more. We’ve put together an itinerary for you to get through your entire list before the eleventh hour.
Thursday, Dec. 6
Art Showcase Savannah @The Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, 5-7 p.m.
Kick off the week with Art Showcase Savannah, an exhibition and vendor pop-up shop featuring all local artists. The exhibition, on display in the Convention Center through May 2019, features works from Carts with HeART, the partnership between the Children’s Hospital at Memorial Health and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. Art by Robert Morris will also be on display at the exhibition.
Hippie Holidaze Party @Mamie Ruth, 5-8 p.m.
For the hippie on your list, make sure to hit up Mamie Ruth, where there are exclusive holiday items and deals as well as a tarot card reading and a mobile kombucha bar. The shop will also host a food drive for Second Harvest with some sweet rewards for donating—one can is 10% off, two cans is 15% off, and three cans is 20% off everything in the store.
A Holiday Soiree @The Gallery on Chippewa Square, 5-8 p.m.
Enjoy WRUU radio personalities as you look through the art offered by the Savannah Art Association and participate in a raffle. WRUU will receive proceeds from the raffle tickets and $1 per person in attendance.
Friday, Dec. 7
Holiday Affair @Kobo Gallery, 6-8 p.m.
Shop for handmade ornaments by Kobo’s talented roster. Artists include Doric Grieder, David Kaminsky, Nancy Boyd, Jennifer Huskey, Dicky Stone, Jan Clayton Pagratis, Dana Richardson, Angela Burson, Matt Toole, Tobia Makover, Mary Hartman, Preston Orr, and Daniel Smith. Sales benefit Hospice Savannah.
White Elephant IV @Sulfur Studios, 6-9 p.m.
This members-only exhibition prices its work under $200, making gift-giving easy. The lineup is impressive, clocking in at over 20 artists representing a variety of different styles and media. The exhibition is up through Dec. 15, and work ca be purchased online.
Treasure Trove @Starland Creative Supply, 6-9 p.m.
Support the kids of Loop It Up Savannah at this art sale. Loop It Up is a community art program bringing creative art experiences to Savannah children. Art by both Loop It Up kids and local artists will be available for purchase, all benefitting the organization.
Holiday Bash @Henny Penny Art Space and Café, 6-9 p.m.
This one is perfect for the kids. See the Mouse House Shadow Box Exhibit by the students at Scribble Art Studio, and let your kids make a fluffy bird ornament for the tree for just $7.
Saturday, Dec. 8
Holiday Artisan Market @The Front Porch, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
If you’re headed out to Pooler, make a stop at The Front Porch. This is the third annual holiday market the coffee shop has held. Local crafters come out to sell their wares, and there will also be giveaways and activities for the kids.
Craft Scout Holiday Market @American Legion Post 135 Ballroom, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Plenty of local crafters will be at the ready at the fifth annual Craft Scout Holiday Market. Maven Makers sponsors a kids’ activity table and live music will keep you dancing while you shop.
Merry Art Market @Savannah’s Clay Spot, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Meet local clay artists, watch a live artist demonstration, and buy handmade pottery out of the studio it was made in.
Trunk Show w/ Betsy Pittard Designs @Hitch, 3-6 p.m.
Isn’t it more fun to drink while you shop? Head to Hitch for a trunk show of Betsy Pittard Designs, an accessory company sure to dazzle.
Sunday, Dec. 9
Holiday Open House @Gallery 209, 1-5 p.m.
See what the artists of Gallery 209 have been working on at this open house. There are pet paintings by Lisa Rosenmeier Kyriakos, jewelry by Kristen Baird, photographs by Carrie Kellogg, handbags by Ellia Wang, and much more.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
December Soiree @Tiffany Taylor Gallery, 6-8:30 p.m.
Feel good about your purchases at this soiree. Tiffani Taylor partnered with Safe Shelter Charity to have a Bell Tree donation drive. The tree is decorated in bells which bear the name of a mother or child and an item on their wish list. Take a bell, bring back the gift, and receive 10% off any item in the gallery.
Wednesday, Dec. 12
Holiday Shop Soiree @Laney Contemporary, 5-9 p.m.
The downstairs space at Laney Contemporary will be transformed into a shop featuring a range of new small works by Katherine Sandoz, Pamela Wiley, Betsy Cain, Elizabeth Winnel, Will Penny, Todd Schroeder, Stephanie Howard, and many more. If you can’t make it to the soiree, the shop will be open during gallery hours through December 22.
