Gifts that keep on giving

By Kate Hayden | khayden@charlescitypress.com

If you’re searching for the perfect local gift this season, the Charles City Arts Center wants you to step in for a visit.

The Holiday Market at the Arts Center showcases crafts from local artists in Floyd County and the surrounding areas, with a variety of pieces and accessories for anyone. The sale is open this Friday from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Everything from purses and totes, jewelry, paintings, wall hangings and pottery, there’s a price point –– and a personalized gift –– for everyone.

“We’ve got everywhere from about $10, here’s one for $4.50,” Director Jacqueline Davidson said, walking through the north gallery. “We’ve got some very reasonable items, and then we’ve got some things made of silver, and that goes up into the $35 range, some of the really nicer pieces go into $50-60 ranges.”

Davidson has a few paintings on display herself, but visitors may recognize other local artists’ names through the galleries: artists like Ann Schneckloth, Barbara Thomsen, Schiller Photography and Tracy Sweet.

Davidson stopped next to pieces by Dennis Petersen, who uses wood and natural materials in his unique hanging “abstract intarsia” pieces.

“Well worth it, for the amount of work that’s gone into it and the insight that’s gone into it,” Davidson said. “This is a gift that you’re going to give someone that’s one of a kind, and that’s not going to happen again. This is something you’re going to hand down to your great-grandchildren, and they’re going to hand it down, because it’s so unique.”

“You’re not going to find this a Kmart, you’re not going to find this at Kohl’s, you’re not going to find this at Younkers. You’re going to find it here,” she added.

The Arts Center is also hosting a 50 percent off sale on children’s art supplies inside the center’s book room. Kids can pick up coloring books, paint brushes and other supplies.

“We have a little bit of anything and everything that people would want to pass down to their family, and things that would remind you of your childhood,” Davidson said.

HOLIDAY PARTY FOR THE ARTS

On Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m., the Arts Center is also hosting a party for artists and creative groups in town. The Charles City Singers will perform for about an hour, and the center is providing food and wine for visitors. The municipal orchestra and band, and the community theater are also invited for a group discussion after the Holiday Lighted Parade passes the center.

“We’re going to sit and have a conversation about how we can get together, at least twice a year, maybe four times a year, and discuss what we can do for each other,” Davidson said. “It’s to bring the art groups back together again.”

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