6 Unusual Holiday Gifts You Can Buy at Cultural Places in Westchester
Holiday shopping experiences will look different this year, but the artistic merit of the items featured by local arts groups remains high. Shopping locally from cultural institutions is a great way to support the arts while checking one-of-a-kind items off of your holiday gift list. These virtual and in-person holiday boutiques have something for every person and every price range. ArtsWestchester’s Executive Assistant, Megan Thomson Connor, who also manages the organization’s gift shop, chose some of her favorites:
Pop Roxx Gem Tall Threaders by Tara Locklear
at Virtual KMA Jewelry Show 2020 | December 1-4
Tara Locklear’s designs, inspired by urban landscapes, are comprised of industrial and re-purposed materials. These earrings ($95) are hand-carved and made from reclaimed skateboards with hand-fabricated oxidized sterling silver findings. Locklear is one of 16 international artists whose work is featured in the Katonah Museum of Art’s virtual jewelry show.
Sunshine by Mitchell Visoky
at MAG Online Holiday Gift of Art Show | December 1-31
In Mitchell Visoky’s fused glassworks, he layers colors and translucency, a process that can be seen in his paintings and mixed-media pieces
as well. During its annual Gift of Art Show, this year online, Mamaroneck Artists Guild will be exhibiting art and fine crafts by its artist members, including Visoky’s Sunshine sculpture ($700), all of which will be available for purchase.
Big Buggers by Christina Massey
at Pelham Art Center Art Boutique | Through December 23
Brooklyn artist Christina Massey uses repurposed aluminum and other materials in her art and handmade items. In fact, Big Buggers ($250) is made of
trimmings from Massey`s bigger pieces, making them: repurposed trimmings of repurposed aluminum (made from craft beer cans). Can you get more upcycled? You can buy items by Massey and other artists in-person at the Pelham Art Center Art Boutique (155 Fifth Ave, Pelham): Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-4pm.
at Tarrytown Musical Hall | Through December 31
Although it isn’t a boutique, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mention Tarrytown Music Hall’s limited edition Music Hall ornament ($25) available online. After all, it’s the organization’s 135th birthday! Who wouldn’t want to have a piece of Westchester history on their Christmas tree?
All proceeds support this historic nonprofit.
Mugs by Wesley Brown
at Clay Art Center Clay Holiday Show | Through December 21
These mugs ($80 each) are both sculptural and functional. In his own words, artist Wesley Brown says that he “acts upon clay with passion to create works that memorialize struggle, trial and triumph.” Brown’s work and the work of other local and nationally recognized artists are available for purchase at Clay Art Center’s Clay Holiday Show, perfect for holiday gift-giving as well as for items for one’s own use. Shop online & by appointment (40 Beech Street, Port Chester).
John Jay’s Bedford House Holiday Ornament by Lela Phillips
at John Jay Homestead Holiday Shop |Through December 26
This unique holiday ornament ($14) has a watercolor of John Jay’s historic Bedford House painted by local artist Lela Phillips. John Jay Homestead has expanded its selection of merchandise for the holidays to include many gift items that feature images of the House, Bedford Farm and the newly installed historic wallpaper found in John Jay’s Office. The holiday gift shop is located in the Ballroom of the Main House (400 Jay St., Katonah, NY): Sat 10am-2pm.
A version of this article first appeared in the December-January ssue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNewsis distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
About ArtsWestchester
Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.
