In a town like Kansas City, no one has an excuse for sending anything but locally crafted, one-of-a-kind gifts to their relatives in less creative parts of the world.
The artisans who'll be selling their wares at the events below have created something for every person on your list, and buying from them will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling because you’re buying local.
Belger Crane Yard Studios Open House & Holiday Sale
2011 Tracy Ave., Kansas City, Missouri
Refreshments and entertainment accompany this sale of functional and decorative ceramics and jewelry made by studio members and resident artists. Friday, December 1, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Local Artists Holiday Market
2030 Swift, North Kansas City, Missouri
Prices for art gifts range from $5 to $100 at this sale, which also promises refreshments, local entertainment, and a free ornament for a limited number of guests over the age of 16. Crafters include: Kevin Callahan, Amy Fischer, Shai Perry, and Gloria Heifner, among others. Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kansas City Art Institute End-of-the Semester Student Exhibition and Sale
4415 Warwick Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri
At this longstanding tradition of a show and sale, all proceeds go directly to students and studios at the Art Institute. Friday, December 1, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, December 3, noon-5 p.m.
International Interior Design Association's Second Annual Maker Mart
Encompas, 1512 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri
A sale of hand-crafted goods by all Kansas City makers. Admission is $5 for members; $10 non-members and $20 at the door, with ticket proceeds benefiting the IIDA Foundation, a non-profit “whose primary mission is to advance Interior Design through education, research, and knowledge to benefit IIDA and the Interior Design profession.” Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Kansas City Clay Guild 35th Annual Holiday Pottery Sale & Studio Tour
200 W. 74th St., Kansas City, Missouri
The Pottery Sale & Studio Tour includes 44 artists in 12 locations around the city. Visitors can begin the tour at any point by downloading a map from the organization's website. Friday, December 1, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, December 3, noon-5 p.m.
LOLA (Ladies of Lawrence Artwork)
Van Go, 715 New Jersey St., Lawrence, Kansas
This boutique-style sale involves 30 vendors selling pottery, jewelry, fine art, coffee, honey and other goods. According to organizers, the first 50 people in the door each day who donate to The Willow Domestic Violence Center or Girls Rock Lawrence "will receive a swag bag, filled to the brim with cool stuff from vendors and local businesses.” Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, December 10, noon-5 p.m.
ArtHouse Holiday Marketplace
8001 Newton St., Overland Park, Kansas
Refreshments and a pop-up sale of affordable, original work by studio artists and members at the Interurban/ArtHouse, which partners with the Johnson County Library to present a performance by Jessica Paige on Friday, December 15, 5-8 p.m. The sale continues on Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Artist Holiday Showcase at the EGG
2659 Independence Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri
Hosted by Northeast Arts KC, Back Door Pottery and the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, this pop-up sale takes place in a 30-by-30-foot space, quartered to feature boutique clothing, leather goods, oil on canvas art, photography, beaded art and jewelry, pottery, knitted and woven wearables from local artists. Each weekend will host different vendors. Fridays 4-7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m. through December 17.
Holiday Shopping at Volland
24098 Volland Road, eight miles southwest of Alma, Kansas
At this Flint Hills art gallery's annual "holiday mercantile," the emphasis is on small gifts such as "organic jellies, local honey, pecan pie filling, local hand-made goat soaps, Flint Hills books and cards, hand-knit wash cloths, and a charming selection of vintage linens" ideal for “stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, thoughtful gifts for your boss, a teacher, friends, and last-minute guests.” Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. through December 17.
Holly Day Pop Up Open Studio & Trunk Show
ESTUDIO mariaurora, 1600 Genessee, Kansas City MO 64102, suites 337 & 516 (Livestock Exchange Building)
Textile artist Maria Ogedengbe shows and sells new pieces, while her former intern, who now works for Chula Fashion in Vietnam, presents the fashion line's first trunk show in Kansas City and will be on hand to take measurements for custom pieces. Monday, December 18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cerbera Gallery’s Contempo Winter Salon II
2011 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, Missouri
This sale is billed as an “intimate showcase” of work by local, national and international artists, many of them showing their work in Kansas City for the first time, with most prices under $250. A glass of Gluehwein (spiced German wine) is complimentary, as are cookies and gift wrap. Begins on Friday, December 1, 4-8 p.m.; continues Sunday-Friday noon-6:30 p.m., Saturday from 10-6:30 p.m. through February 3; or by appointment: 844-202-9303.
Follow KCUR contributor AnneKniggendorf on Twitter, @annekniggendorf.
