One of the best gifts you can give this holiday season is the gift of local art. Not only will it be unique and one-of-a-kind, you’ll be supporting local artists and the local economy by purchasing holiday gifts right here in Peoria. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas!
Crimson Door Sale
The Peoria Art Guild opens its annual Crimson Door Sale, featuring the work of artist members, on First Friday, December 3, from 5 to 9pm. More than a dozen artists will have their work on display for you to take home—from the intricate beadwork of Merrell Hickey to the various mediums of Hattie Lee. After its Friday opening, the sale continues the next day from 9am to 2pm, and then on Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9am to 2pm, from December 7 through Christmas. The public is also welcome to shop the Peoria Art Guild gift shop at 203 Harrison Street—or give the gift of an experience with a class gift certificate, available at peoriaartguild.org.
Art in Gift
Exhibit A Gallery in Peoria Heights is a mainstay for shopping local artwork year-round—but their annual Art In Gift show is especially curated for the holidays. Featuring more than 50 of your favorite local artists, the show features varied artwork of all mediums—so you’re sure to find the perfect gift for the art lover in your life. Gift certificates are also available, and if you hurry, you can still get your custom framing projects completed for the holidays! There are also opportunities to meet a few of these local artists at their Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 4 or at Chocolate In the Heights on Saturday, December 11. The sale continues after the holiday season, running through January 27, 2022. Call (309) 693-6180 or visit exhibitAgallery.net for more information.
A Small Wonder Gift Shop
“A small wonder” means small work from local artists—and that means prices suited for holiday gifts! Now through December 17, visit the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, where Gallery 3R has been transformed into a gift shop for small works of art. Glass, ceramics, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, original prints and much more will be on display—and buyers may take their purchases home at the time of purchase. The CAC is open 11am to 5pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays, with extended hours (until 9pm) on Fridays. Call (309) 674-6822 or visit peoriacac.org. PM
