GIVE HANDMADE:
ARTFUL HOLIDAY SHOWS
One major sign that we’re full speed ahead into the holidays is local art centers and galleries opening their holiday boutiques. I love to shop these because you find original art and handmade ornaments and decor that feel more special, to give and to get. Here a few to choose from.
Florida CraftArt opens its Holiday Boutique on Friday with a reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Both sides of the gallery are filled with Christmas trees loaded with handmade ornaments, in addition to the mix of fine craft and a lot of artist-made jewelry. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. floridacraftart.org.
On Saturday, the Morean Arts Center opens “Merry and Bright,” its members’ holiday show. There will also be handmade ornaments and creations in glass and clay, as well as paintings and photography. The opening reception is Saturday from 5-9 p.m. 719 Central Ave. moreanartscenter.org.
Tampa’s Clayton Galleries opens its “Small Works” exhibit on Friday, in which none of the artwork exceeds 24 inches. Anyone can find space on their wall for that! The opening reception is from 7-9 p.m. at 4105 S MacDill Ave. claytongalleries.net.
The Dunedin Fine Art Center opened its holiday show, “Starry, Starry Delights,” last weekend during Art Harvest, so I’m willing to bet they had a great weekend. See what its artists have created for the holidays and beyond. 1143 Michigan Blvd. dfac.org.
IT’S THAT TIME: MARKET ROUNDUP
The holiday market floodgates have opened, so this will be a regular feature through the holidays. Here we go!
The Junior League of Tampa holds its massive Holiday Gift Market at the Florida State Fairgrounds Friday-Sunday, with more than 180 local and national vendors, as well as activities and workshops. $8 at the door or at hgm2017.eventbrite.com. 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa.
The Chiselers’ Warehouse Sale will have furniture, accessories and holiday decor from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at 212 N Newport Ave., Tampa. (813) 876-1000.
The Holiday Market at St. Petersburg College’s Clearwater campus features handcrafted items by more than 100 area artists and crafters. It also benefits area scholarships and grants and is free to attend. It happens from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
GRAND OPENING: VINTAGE ROOST
A new spot to find great vintage wares opens in Ybor City this weekend, and it’s an all-female venture. Four women who deal in vintage furniture, home decor and funky finds have come together to open Vintage Roost, which will celebrate its grand opening with a three-day market Friday-Sunday. What’s more, they’ll hold this market on the second and fourth weekends of each month. The market features 18 vendors and will run 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 2326 E Seventh Ave.
