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09/28/2022 09:59 AMA one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience is coming to the Guilford Art Center (GAC), for those looking to track down unique gift ideas for the pending end of year celebrations.
GAC is a non-profit school, shop, and gallery established to nurture and support excellence in the arts. According to GAC Executive Director Maureen Belden, through adult and children’s classes, gallery programs, a shop of contemporary crafts, and special events, the Center fulfills its mission to provide opportunities for the public to participate in the arts and to appreciate the process and product of creative work.
“It is such a fun way to celebrate because it lasts for a couple of months, so it’s a fun way to anchor the Expo. The Expo gives both the public and the artists a really excellent opportunity,” said Belden. “We always say that the Expo is a special way to give a gift. It is a very thoughtful way to give a gift.
When you find handmade gifts here, these are ones you wouldn’t necessarily find in other stores, so, you’re giving something special and also you’re supporting American artists, small businesses, and the Art Center.”
Gift categories include ceramics, pottery, glass, jewelry, homewares, fiber art, ornaments, accessories, toys, specialty foods, stationery, leather goods, and more, according to Belden.
GACMarketing Specialist Lisa Ste. Marie said that this year’s Expo will feature many new artists, both local and national, as well as new work by established artists.
“We are really excited to be able to offer this again. We’ve had the shop open during COVID, but we really hadn’t organized any special events, so we are thrilled to be bringing those back this year. Especially with all the new artists being represented at this year’s Expo,” said Ste. Marie. “These artists are small independent business and many don’t have the resources or the knowledge for the retail aspect of it, so the Expo is such a great opportunity for everyone, artists and for customers.
New items are added throughout the course of the show, so visitors will always have fresh shopping experiences every time they visit, said Belden.
“There are so many compelling reasons to shop at GAC for the holidays. Shoppers can find curated gifts at different price points for everyone on their list. Furthermore, every purchase made benefits an artist, and helps to support GAC’s mission of nurturing and supporting art in the community all year long,” Belden said. “GAC offers visitors a variety of shopping experiences; personal shoppers are available for advice and gift-giving ideas, businesses can take advantage of personal shoppers and discounts for employee holiday gift-giving.”
Proceeds benefit the exhibiting artists and Guilford Art Center’s educational and community programs. Shopping hours begin Friday, Oct. 28, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Special Events include GAC Members’ Week from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4. Members of GAC receive special discounts. An opening reception is scheduled for Thrusday, Nov. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m., a Prosecco and Presents reception is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Men’s Shopping Night is on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m
For more information, visit guilfordartcenter.org or facebook.com/guilfordartcenter, or call 203-453-5947.