Once again this year, holiday shoppers in Durango have the option to keep it local when it comes to gift-giving.
The ter’s annual Winter Solstice Artisans’ Market is just one of many places downtown to find unique, handmade gifts by local and regional craftspeople and artists.
This year’s version includes works by more than 60 of those people, whose items include ceramics, jewelry, metal, textiles, glass, wood, notecards, ornaments, calendars, photography and painting. No big-screen TVs at 80 percent off, but then it’s unlikely that anyone will be trampled under the feet of combative shoppers at the DAC, either.
But that doesn’t mean early shoppers won’t be rewarded. Unlike the big box stores, the shelves of the DAC and other galleries and shops don’t get restocked when one-of-a-kind items are sold.
Also again, those gifts can be wrapped in locally produced artwork. Local First, the organization that fights to keep every La Plata County dollar in La Plata County, has a new batch of gift wrapping paper designed by six local artists.
The six were chosen from 18 entries by popular vote at Studio & during the Nov. 7 First Thursday Art Walk.
The winners, whose designs were printed on The Durango Herald press, are Roxie Mitchell, Sheila Niblick, Cara Nosek, Kamaljit Punia, Jaclynn Shaw and Teresa Shishim.
ted@durangoherald.com
If you go
The Winter Solstice Artisans’ Market will be open through Dec. 24 at Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave., in the Barbara Conrad Gallery. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, call 259-2606 or visit www.durangoarts.org.
