Make spirits bright this holiday season with distinctive, handmade gifts created by local artists.
“The appeal of handmade goods is that they are one-of-a-kind gifts,” says Phil Meade, public relations manager for the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts “By purchasing these goods, customers are supporting local artists and putting their money back into the community.”
“Giving art gives people the opportunity to have original concepts and ideas in their home,” says Nathan Goddard, who participated in UICA’s Holiday Artists’ Market last weekend. In addition to paintings and sculptures that explore the relationship between humans and the environment, Goddard sells ornaments and cards during the holiday season.
“Shoppers’ support helps artists continue to work and inspire,” says Goddard. “Its also helps keep money local.”
Direct Connect
Options abound to acquire local art this holiday season. For the online shopper, Etsy.com, where Goddard’s holiday pieces can be purchased, boasts more than 60 recently updated “shops” in Grand Rapids. For those that missed last week's trio of artist's markets, the Avenue of the Arts is teaming up with its retail neighbors on the 100 block of South Division for the Urban Lights shop hop tomorrow night, December 12, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Lamb, a chic East Hills boutique that sells women’s clothes, upscale beauty products, and whimsical home furnishings, is another point of purchase for local objects d’art.
“Supporting local artists and creativity is like being able to pump back into the community,” says Gabi Stoner, a sales associate at Lamb.
Lamb’s selection ranges in size and price from Rachel Van Dyke’s hand painted, stocking-stuffer-ready blocks to JRuiter Studio’s Victorianesque, laser cut mirror frames. Tongue-in-cheek decorative items like Dean Van Dis’s fourLogs are also for sale.
For guys who want help shopping for that special someone, Lamb is hosting an exclusive men’s night, December 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres, and “expert gift-giving advice”.
Make Like an Elf
Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood, a crafter and reporter for The Grand Rapids Press, inspires local artists with project ideas and podcasted interviews that she posts on CraftSanity, one of her three arts and crafts blogs.
“I always encourage people to make their own gifts, especially this year when the economy’s terrible,” says Ackerman-Haywood. “Writing a poem or making a family caricature is going to be a lot more valuable than that $30 gift card you were going to get.”
City Knitting in Eastown, with a wide selection of fiber art supplies and a knowledgeable, friendly staff, is a great place to get the ball rolling on your latest fiber project. Hobnob with other crafters at the Grand Rapids Craft Club, organized by Ackerman-Haywood, which meets twice monthly at the downtown YMCA. Virtually connect with other artists via G-RAD, a Grand Rapids-based blogging community dedicated to arts and culture.
Before embarking on a handmade holiday, make sure you are realistic about your abilities and timeframe.
“People should assess their own skills first,” says Ackerman-Haywood. “If you’re terrible at sketching and draw a picture of Aunt Susie that looks like she has rabies … that’s not going to be a priceless gift.”
“Time is the biggest investment,” she continues. “You need to think about the people on your list that would really appreciate a handmade gift, then focus on getting those projects done.”
If you don’t have the time or inclination to make gifts, commit to sustaining local talent with your holiday purchases.
“Local artists are competing with imported stuff that’s cheaply made. Before you hop in the car and go to the mall, stop at a local gallery or shop that sells handmade things,” says Ackerman-Haywood.
“If you put yourself in galleries and shops, you’ll find something. You might even find that perfect gift that just resonates.”
Ruth Terry is a freelance writer and artist living in the East Hills neighborhood. She also works as a fund developer and consultant for local nonprofit organizations. Her last story for Rapid Growth was Part 1 of this holiday series, A Green and Local Holiday.
For more local gift ideas, check out the Local First Coupon book.
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