A number of art galleries in our region are home to a wide variety of artists and sell items ranging from pottery and jewelry to paintings and photography. Still other galleries feature the work of one artisan.
“I think people value giving something that’s made by hand instead of mass-produced,” says Karin Thue of Springfield, one of 40 artists currently represented at the Town & Country Fine Arts Gallery at the Town & Country Shopping Center in Kettering. “I think they like supporting local artists and giving something that is unique and one-of-a-kind.”
The annual ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery is hosted by the Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) at 118 N. Jefferson in downtown Dayton. Seventy-five member artists offer work which ranges from silk scarves and puppets to wooden bowls and handmade ornaments. The gallery is open through Dec. 29 and will host a Beer & Peanuts Shopping Party this Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 5-8 p.m.
This is the first holiday season for the CADC gallery (Connecting Art Design & Community) that recently moved from The Cannery to a new location at 45 S. St. Clair Street in downtown Dayton. The shop stocks the work of 30 different artists and is hosting a Happy Hour each Wednesday from 5-7 through Dec. 19. Bring in a bottle of wine and for $25 shop manager Christy Jennewein will turn it into a hand-painted keepsake that will last long after the wine has been enjoyed.
Over 400 American artists are represented at Sherry Armstead’s two galleries, including Art Off Symmes in Hamilton (228 High Street) and Art on Symmes in Fairfield (1000 Symmes Rd.) Armstead sells original paintings, the work of 35 potters, hand-blown glass, metal sculptures, wearable art and jewelry. Her Hamilton shop will host a Men’s Shopping Day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21. See www.artonsymmes.com
In Yellow Springs, check out Village Artisans where 20 artists sell everything from jewelry and paintings to photos and fiber art, stained glass, lampwork beads, woodwork and leather bookbinding. 100 Corry St.(937) 767-1209. The Yellow Springs Third Friday Fling is slated for Friday, Dec. 21 and the shops will be open til 9 p.m. that night.
The Pendleton Art Center, 1105 Central Ave. in Middletown, houses dozens of artist galleries and studios. The studios are open for First Friday each month from 5 to 9 p.m. and the following day for Second Look Saturday 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Some studios are open daily; some are open by appointment with the artist.Web site: www.pendletonartcenter.com
If you’re hesitant to pick out something as personal as a painting for someone else’s living room, consider a gift certificate. All of these galleries are happy to oblige.
SPECIAL GALLERIES
Don’t forget the galleries that feature work by special artists such as We Care Arts, the inspiring shop where individuals with emotional, mental or physical disabilities learn independence and self-esteem.
“Our fine art gallery features art that’s all one-of-a-kind,” says Terry Schalnat, founder and executive director of the non-profit that served 850 artists last year. “You’re not only buying a piece of creative art but you’re also helping a person heal.”
The artists make and sell everything from flower pots and purses to greeting cards, oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, pottery and jewelry. Prices are very reasonable and range from $5 to $250. The shop, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays is located at 3035 Wilmington Pike in Kettering. Call (937) 252-3937 or check out ww.wecarearts.org
The Inner I Gallery in Xenia (81 E. Main St.) is home to art items created by individuals with developmental disabilities. The shop is in the process of being renovated and won’t have framed prints and original artwork until after the first of the year. In the meantime you can still purchase note cards, artwork and T-shirts. (937) 376-3996.
GIVE A CLASS
“You don’t have to be an artist to take a class and have fun with art,” says Kim Minor, assistant director of the Middletown Arts Center where classes in a variety of media are offered, ranging from watercolor and oil to drawing and acrylics. “Many of the adults who come to our center come after work just to relax and have fun.”
Gift certificates are typically available at community centers which allow the recipient to pick a class he or she would enjoy. At Middletown, for example, four week classes for kids are $50 and include sessions such as “Fun With art” and “Young Artist Clay.” For adults, the eight week sessions are $100. (www.middletownartscenter.com)
The Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton will begin its next session of adult and student classes on Jan. 21. Topics range from pottery and photography to dance. Check out www.fittoncenter.org
CADC store manager Christy Jennewein is well known for her colorful glossy painted furniture and offers classes that teach others to transform one of their own tables or chairs into a work of art. Four sessions cost $200 at the St. Clair Street gallery.
At K12 Gallery/TEJAS in downtown Dayton, you can treat kids, teens and adults to a variety of art experiences ranging from private art lessons to Saturday drop-in-classes. Subject matter may include everything from costume design and clay to oil painting and stained glass.In addition to gift certificates, you can also buy art from K-12 students and local artists. The Gallery is located at 510 E. Third St. Call (937) 461-5149 or www.k12gallery.com
Seniors will appreciate gift certificates from the University of Dayton’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. For $80, recipients can take as many classes as they might like, including courses in film, music, art and photography. Call (937) 229-2347.
GIVE ART SUPPLIES, INSTRUMENTS…
A gift of music will last a lifetime. For a new musician of any age, Jim Hauer of Hauer Music Company advises a personal consultation.
“It’s a very personalized gift, so that way we can fit an individual with the right instrument or lessons,” says Hauer, the grandson of the company’s founder, Michael Hauer. The store, at 120 S. Patterson in Dayton, dates back to 1937 and sells everything from kazoos to 9-foot grand pianos.
Hauer says guitars are especially popular as gifts and range in price from $89 to $8,900. Accessory gifts include sheet music, metronomes, electric tuners and music stands.
Give art supplies by presenting a gift certificate for stores like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or JoAnn Fabric. Encourage creativity in your kids by giving them something simple: paper and drawing materials.
“Kids love drawing,” says Karen Ihle, store manager of Marco’s Paper in Centerville (25 W. Whipp Road) The store has hundreds of inexpensive options: scratch pads, pencils, markers, colored pencils, note pads and paper with matching envelopes. A standard size pack of 200 sheets of paper sells for $1; in the annex store, everything’s $1. The shop hosts a free “Make & Take” for kids of all ages from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesdays year-round and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. (937) 433-7030.
MUSEUM SHOPS
The Dayton Art Institute’s Museum Shop has just re-opened in its new spot, across from the new Leo’s Bistro. You’ll find a variety of gifts and accessories as well as art work by local and nationally-known artists.
Rachel Goetz, for example, creates her own glass beads through a process called lampworking and utilizes them in her handcrafted jewelry. The Centerville artist, whose work is priced from $18 to $325, will also make custom pieces. Another local artist, Susan Cannon, makes Blossom glass plates which retail at $40. She also has small glass plates for $15.
For the young aspiring artist, the DAI sells art sets from Creativity for Kids, a Cleveland-based company. The Young Artist’s Learn to Paint Set is $19.95. The Young Artist Coloring Gift Set features an assortment of crayons, markers and colored EcoPencils packaged in a re-usable storage bag. It’s for kids ages 4 and up and sells for $24.95. The DAI’s Museum Shop is open during regular museum hours (closed Monday and Tuesday) and you needn’t pay admission to shop there. You can also order some of the items online: www.daytonartinstitute.org
The Westcott House gift shop in Springfield is a gem; most of the items incorporate designs by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. You’ll see bookmarks, postcard books and gold-banded china in the pattern that Wright created for the main dining room of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. There are also personal items: scarves and neckties, jewelry and business card cases. There are kids items and home furnishings as well, which are decorated with Wright motifs. The shop is located 85 South Greenmount in Springfield. Call (937)-327-9291.
GIVE MEMBERSHIPS, CONTRIBUTIONS
The gift of an arts organization membership or donation helps area institutions survive. At the DAI, for example, your dollars will help preserve the art collection, maintain the facility, develop educational programs and bring special exhibits to Dayton. A DAI membership card entitles the recipient to a year of free admission, free entry to special exhibits, and discounts on DAI lectures, performances, gift shop purchases, food at the cafe, as well as invitations to members-only special events. Membership levels begin at $45 for individuals, $35 for seniors, $30 for students. A sponsoring membership of $150 or more entitles the recipient to reciprocal admission to 15 other Ohio museums and 500 museums nationwide.
A year-end gift to WDPR-Radio is a great way to give twice, says Shaun Yu, president and CEO of the classical music station. With the purchase of a membership, there are a variety of thank-you gifts that can be sent to either the giver or recipient. A gift of $150 to the station, for example, will include an honorary day during which a special message which will be read throughout the day. Call (937) 222-9377 or check out www.dpr.org
GIVE TICKETS, EXPERIENCES
A ticket or pair of tickets to an live area arts event is a wonderful gift. It can be an evening at the Dayton Opera, a puppet performance at the Zoot Theatre Company, a Dayton Theater Guild matinee or a performance of “A Chorus Line”at the Clark State Performing Arts Center in Springfield. The whole family can enjoy Shrek the Musical that’s heading for town Jan 15-27 at the Victoria Theatre.
Take advantage of one of the special deals being offered. If you purchase two $25 tickets the the Feb. 23 Dayton Contemporary Dance Company “Traces” concert, for example, you’ll receive a third free ticket. The offer is good through Jan. 11. The new Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is offering a $99 Arts Sampler Subscription Package which includes six tickets that can be used in any combination to any event within the 2013-14 Season of the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Film buffs will appreciate theater passes. Consider The Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs or The Neon in downtown Dayton as well as the larger venues. Why not present your gift in a popcorn box filled with movie candy?
If you’re giving the tickets to your children — and if they have children — you may want to include a babysitting offer. If the recipient is grandparent or parent, consider accompanying him or her to the arts event and including a lunch or dinner before or after the show. The gift of your time is precious.
SUPPORT AN ARTS ORGANIZATION
The gift of a “Passport to the Arts” from Culture Works at $85 and up will allow the recipient two-for-one ticket discounts year-round for over 60 different performances. Phone orders at (937) 222-2787, on line at www.cultureworks.org
You can support young artists by shopping at the 5th Street Gallery Store or the 5th Street Gallery, both located at Stivers School for the Arts, 1313 E. Fifth Street in downtown Dayton. The gallery sells work by professional artists; the gift shops stocks a wide range of items that have been donated to the school. You can also buy note cards designed by Stivers visual arts students priced at five for $5. Your financial gift will help underwrite summer school tuition or magnet fees. Check out: www.stivers.org
For the film lover in your life, how about a membership to Film Dayton? For $40 and up you’ll get a “popcorn card” good for a small popcorn at The Neon once a month, free admittance to monthly Film Connections. You’ll be helping to promote film-making in our region. Call (937) 554-0031 or online: www.filmdayton.com
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