Art of giving
Jennifer Adamson of Brave, owner of Pennsylvania Mug Co., is among 24 artists who are selling their work at the Holiday Art Market at the Washington Community Arts & Cultural Center, 70 Leet St.
The juried items for purchase at Wash Arts include arm/wrist cuffs that were hand-hooked from recycled sari silk and a nativity scene.
Metal-cut earrings made by Lindsay Huff of Pittsburgh are among the items available for purchase at Wash Arts’ Holiday Art Market.
The Holiday Art Market features handmade soap, scarves, jewelry, ceramics, wall art and note cards, all made by regional artists.
Holiday shoppers interested in purchasing one-of-a-kind gifts with a local flavor need look no further than the Holiday Art Market at Washington Community Arts & Cultural Center.
Wash Arts’ gallery on South Street is filled with an attractive array of work by 24 regional artists, with price points to fit anyone’s budget.
The juried work includes paintings, prints, photography, pottery, ceramic art, jewelry, glass, handmade soaps, fiber art, knitted goods, scarves and even arm/wrist cuffs that were hand-hooked from recycled sari silk. Some of the artwork was even made on site.
Best of all, a percentage of the artists’ proceeds will be donated to Wash Arts to help develop scholarships for students in need.
“It’s been great. Everybody has hit the ground running,” said Jennifer Adamson of Brave, owner of the Pennsylvania Mug Co. who rents space at the center for her pottery studio.
Adamson also partnered with 19 Coffee of Washington to complement the mugs she is selling.
“A lot of people are working very hard. … We are thriving,” she said.
The market evolved, Adamson said, because artists needed an outlet. When the call for artists to participant in the holiday show went out, there was no shortage of interest, and two juried competitions were held.
The result is phenomenal.
“I think it’s been a real asset to the organization,” said Becky Keck of Greensboro, who serves as the center’s program and project director.
Keck also is a ceramicist, and her work is among the pieces showcased in the holiday market.
Among the more unusual items is felted soap, made by Lynne Mamone of Martins Ferry, Ohio, owner of Soaps by Lynne. The 100 percent wool is felted around a bar of soap and functions as a natural wash cloth. It exfoliates and produces a “most wonderful lather,” and it lasts longer because the wool prevents it from melting down the drain.
“We are thrilled with the amount of quality work we received,” Keck said.
The market is operated by volunteers, with all artists whose work is included donating six hours to man the gallery. Some are instructors at Wash Arts.
“The availability and impact of the volunteers who put their time into the market is an amazing thing to watch,” Keck said.
On Thursday, the Holiday Art Market will sponsor “Men’s Panic Night.” From 4 to 7 p.m., male shoppers can enjoy free beer, chili and corn bread, and, if desired, can request gift ideas from the artists, who give them a tour of the gallery.
In addition to Adamson, Keck and Mamone, other participating artists include Dana Bell, Connie Benline, Alice Burroughs, Cana Carter, Connie Clutter, Charlotte Davidson, Ray Forquer, Lindsay Huff, Steve Leonardi, John Luginski, Kathleen Madigan and Sandy Mansmann.
Also, Amira Maroulis, Stephany Myers, Peggy Northrop, Robin Richards, Robin Roberts, Kim Stocker, Tom Wilson, Judy Wilson and the late Judy Hopson.
Wash Arts moved to its new location from downtown Washington in November 2012. The spacious facility has a recording studio and classrooms for painting, metalsmithing and pottery. It is handicapped accessible and has ample free parking.
Although Wash Arts no longer offers free classes, the board continues to fundraise so it can offer classes at reduced rates and reach a wider audience in its mission to promote diversity and experiential learning
“We really don’t want to turn anybody away,” said Adamson, noting the impact that art can have in the social development of youngsters. “We’ve had talented kids come out of the program.”
What: Holiday Art Market
Where: Washington Community Arts & Cultural Center, 70 South St., next to Ross Mould
Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 30. Closed Dec. 24 and 28.
Special hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 22, 23, 29 and 30
Special event: Men’s Panic Night, 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday
For information: call 724-222-1475 or visit www.washarts.org