If you’re looking for something different or one of a kind, you can’t go wrong giving art as a gift.
Even the pickiest person on your list will love a personal, thoughtful gift of something created by an artist or maker.
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Need some tips for gifting art?
1. Art doesn’t need to match the couch. Or the rug. Or the art hanging next to it. Or anything. In fact, some of the best displays are a complete mishmash of colors, styles, and artists.
2. Art comes in many forms:
- painting
- photography
- sculpture
- mixed media
- jewelry
- clay
- functional
The list can go on and on. Think about someone’s home and lifestyle. Would they love a painting to hang in their office? How about a functional piece of art like a mug they can use for their morning coffee? Would they love a sculptural piece to put in their yard? How about a handcrafted piece of jewelry they can wear every day?
3. How do you choose a piece? What reminds you of them? I’ve purchased art for my sister that features a farm in Virginia and a painting of a chicken. Why? She’s a crazy chicken lady who lives in Virginia. I’ve always called my daughter a little fish so a folk-art fishbowl was a gift for her. The swan, another gift for my daughter, was inspired by a trip to Germany where she almost fell in a pond trying to get closer to some swans. My husband loves astronomy so a rustic painting with two constellations was a birthday gift one year. Subject matter can include favorite flowers or frequent travel destinations or just something that reminds you of the recipient.
4. Go custom. Many artists and makers are more than happy to create a truly one of a kind piece whether it’s a portrait of their home, a cross stitch family portrait or a tea towel featuring a family recipe. My husband loves The Simpsons so one year I found an artist to do a family portrait in that style.
Need ideas on where to buy?
There are quite a few local options.
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is home to more than 200 artists and makers who you can visit in their studios Wednesday through Saturday.
On December 2, Lowe Mill A&E will host Yule Y’all featuring additional artists and makers from around the region.
Another holiday shopping event is the Flying Monkey Arts Solstice Market on December 16. Artists will be spread throughout the Flying Monkey floor and the Connector at Lowe Mill A&E.
The Little Green Store and Gallery is tucked atop Monte Sano Mountain and features everything from jewelry to paintings to glass and candles.
Harrison Brothers Hardware downtown is always fun to shop and features find finds that everything from household items to fine art and craft.
The Huntsville Art League Gallery, housed on the North Floor of Lowe Mill A&E, features art in many mediums by their member artists.
This season, give the gift of handmade.
