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
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
