This year’s holiday gift show at Featherstone Center for the Arts is its largest ever, with 120 artists participating in the annual event.
“When you walk into the room, even in the lobby area, it is festive and fun and joyful,” said Featherstone’s executive director Ann Smith.
This is the 22nd year for the holiday shopping event. Each year there is an open call for Island artists to participate, who represent a variety of mediums, from jewelry to ceramics, artwork, ornaments and more.
“I think that the patrons who are coming here know they are supporting Featherstone and local artists, and they are also getting something really unique and wonderful as a gift,” Ms. Smith said. “So it’s very different than the typical art shows that we have.”
The sale acts as a fundraiser for Featherstone, with the proceeds being split between the organization and the artists.
“Our regular commission is 60 per cent to the artist, 40 per cent to Featherstone,” Ms. Smith said. “But because we’ve always had this as a fundraiser, it’s a 50/50 split. So the artist is actually donating to us, which we think is very special. We engage them all year long, so for them to give back to us during this holiday gift show is great.”
The variety of art being sold is what keeps the event fresh year after year, according to Ms. Smith.
“The beautiful thing is that the artists come up with different things,” she said. “So while they may be the same artist participating, they always change up what they’re making and creating.”
The annual success of this show relies on the generosity of the artists and local community, according to Ms. Smith.
“We continue to have this offering that is a success for the artists, for Featherstone and the community,” she said. “We have new people coming in all of the time off the boats for a football game or a dance show or whatever. It’s new and refreshing each and every time.”
Continuing to showcase Island artists is at the forefront of Featherstone’s mission.
“What we are most proud of is that we are supporting the local artists and encouraging people to be thoughtful and mindful of their gifts and to shop local,” she said.
The Holiday Gift Show is open from 12 to 4 p.m. everyday until Dec. 15. Featherstone Center for the Arts is located at 30 Featherstone Lane in Oak Bluffs.
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