6 Artsy Items to Buy Locally

Holiday shopping from local arts organizations and creative workers can mean a unique gift for loved ones while also supporting the arts. This is important now more than ever, after the creative sector was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Arts boutiques are popping up once again, with many of them also offering virtual shopping options.

Wave Vase by Delia Berman   ($60-70) at Clay Art Center’s Clay Holiday Market 2021 | Through December 24

Artist Dalia Berman’s Wave Vases are signature wheel-thrown porcelain vases that are altered into a wave form. The pieces range in size up to approximately 7 H x 6.5 W x 5 D. Berman chooses the neutral color palettes of whites, celadons and shino glazes to finish her work. These vases are available in the Center’s shop, as well as online. (40 Beech Street, Port Chester)

 

 

 

 

Glass Coasters Set   ($55) at Mamaroneck Artists Guild’s A Gift of Art Holiday Show and Boutique | Through December 24

This set of four fused glass coasters are original, handmade works by artist Mitchell Visoky. After a residency at Bullseye Glass, the mixed-media artist said that his interest in glass “was an extension of [his] work with encaustic painting and collage with vellum photographs… All have a connection to mystery, translucency, the past and present.” (1987 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont)

 

 

 

Beaded Namji Dolls ($235 single / $450 set) at Luangisa African Gallery Holiday Marketplace | December 4-5

These Namji Dolls were handmade by the Namji tribe in Cameroon, Africa. Each is an original work of art carved from solid pine hardwood and adorned with multi-colored beads, cowrie shells, metal strips and fiber, making each one unlike any other. Traditionally, these dolls are held by young Namji girls to ensure their fertility. Each measures 16” and stands on a wooden base. These items are also available at the Luangisa African Art Gallery and online. (374 Hawthorne Terrace, Mount Vernon)

 

 

 

Woodturning Works  ($100-300) at Pelham Art Center’s Holiday Art Boutique | Through December 23

Eric Weber is a Westchester-based woodworker who, in his 50s, returned to his love of the arts.  He says: “As soon as I turned my first piece of wood I was hooked!” Weber’s primary goal is to balance form and functionality. Many of the works include unusual grain patterns, burls, spalting and defects in the wood that make these one-of-a-kind pieces. (155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham)

 

 

 

Paper Flower Bouquets  ($12.00 each) at the Lyndhurst Mansion Gift Shop | Open seven days a week (closed on December 25 & January 1)

These standing pop-up paper flower bouquets come in various designs, including roses, red amaryllis, tulips and more. They are each made of 100% recyclable paper by the environmentally conscious company FreshCut Paper, which donates 1% of its proceeds to environmental causes. The gift shop is usually only accessible after admission is paid; however, if a visitor wishes to only visit the shop, they can mention “Helen Gould” to the front gate staff. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown)

 

 

Hudson River Museum Utility Bag  ($120) at the Hudson River Museum Gift Shop | Thursdays–Sundays, 12-5pm

This unisex sturdy utility bag by Forestbound features leather handles, canvas bag and buckle closures. Forestbound uses reclaimed materials and sturdy craftsmanship to continue the life of vintage textiles, making the bag both stylish and environmentally friendly.  This bag measures 20″ wide, 14″ tall and 6″ deep and is available in natural or khaki colors. (511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers)

A version of this article first appeared in the December 2021-January 2022 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.​​​​