Give the Gift of Art for the Holidays

by Jayne Behman

Being home for the Holidays is very comforting.  Just the idea of this makes me feel cozy. I am looking forward to being with family and friends amidst the under current of high anxiety.

Christmas is the 25th day of December while Kwanzaa is just one day later. There's no time left for those who celebrate Hanukah that begins this year on December 1st.

It's a safe assumption to make that the Holiday season is stressful along with being joyful. The prevailing dichotomy is evident in just about everything, from cooking to conversations. Scanning Ads to clip coupons for the best buys, pushing through crowds to purchase the perfect gift for the one you love, waiting for hours in cashier lines; all of these acts take their toll on our psyche. A one-retail-stop-seasonal- shopping opportunity is a rare commodity. 

Online shopping has relieved many shopping tensions only to be replaced by the fear of identity theft. Put this worry aside by shutting down your computer.  Instead, use your credit card and cash to shop local. Spending where you live helps the local economy.

In conjunction with the mantra "Live Here-Spend Here," Gifts of Art are not only one-of-a-kind keepsakes, this purchase supports local arts and artists.

Gift certificates are easy to purchase and they take away the onus of choosing the perfect gift. But, often times these pledges get buried in a drawer never being used. Your "best buy" can be a gift that keeps on giving, such as a workshop. Exposure to an art discipline may spark an interest that might catapult the taster into being our next media master.

 In Morro Bay, there are several retail art centers where every dollar spent is multiplied because of the benefits associated with the purchase. Beads by the Bay offers classes that teach different types of jewelry making, as well as selling jewelry making materials.  ArtSea's Sunday mosaic classes are conducted in the middle of the shop surrounded by sculpture and paintings. Art Center Morro Bay's gallery displays and sells member made art plus offers ongoing painting workshops. Purchase an Art Center membership as a holiday gift. Not only is this purchase a tax-deductible donation, you support the local arts community. You don't have to be an artist to enjoy monthly lectures or volunteer to help during events. This organization provides high school students with arts scholarships.

In time for the holidays, several Embarcadero galleries have designed their display windows to honor the season. They showcase hand made items by local artists. Wearable art is the current rage. The "bling" of jewelry never goes out of style. Seven Sisters Gallery introduces a fresh selection of silk knotted gems and enameled jewelry, rag-bags, ceramics, and photography depicting the breathtaking scenes along the Central Coast. 

Suite One, just steps away, features the photographic works by its owner Bill Shewchuk and paintings by Dana Kimberly Hixson, amongst wood works and art-glass.  While there, enjoy the ongoing Tres Generations photographic exhibition. Then, take the stairs up to Marina Gallery where you will be mesmerized by the works of over 100 artists.

Travel to the Cayucos pier and visit the Cayucos Art Association. Purchase one or more of the art for sale there and you help underwrite local children's art programs.  A packet of hand-made blank note cards makes a wonderful and useful gift.

Cambria is loaded with fine art galleries that offer interesting adornments.  You can't go wrong making a fun day along the west or east side of this town. Its an entire day spent along our gorgeous Central Coast that will satisfy your palate as well as an artist's palette.

What about little sleepy Baywood, hidden away in Los Osos? Most of the artists in this area are hobbits working away in their studios.  They are friendly and love company, but you must be daring and seek them out.  My 2nd street studio is open when the door is or by appointment (805-234-3634). Here you will find me working on paintings, fused glass, or enamel art, surrounded by Hostess Cupcakes and chocolate. Two new shops just opened south of me by the bay, both touting works for sale by local artisans.

Many artists have collaborated their efforts to make holiday shopping feel like less work. This is the 3rd year of the Holiday Giftique in San Luis Obispo. When you purchase something here, a percentage of the sales is donated to the American Cancer Society and the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County. Held on December 5th from 11am – 5pm,  there will be ceramics, art-glass, fine jewelry, wood, and textile items. Simply show up at Casa Morica at 1662 Knoll Road in San Luis Obispo (805-787-0308 ).  During the month of December is also the craft fair at SLOMA at 1010 Broad Street.

Gifts don't need to cost a lot of money to be meaningful. Whatever your shopping path may be, have a safe and joyable holiday season.