Annual Art & Gift Market
While the weather wasn't cooperative this weekend, it didn't keep the annual Art & Gift Market from taking place in its new location at the Western Illinois Museum. The market opened Friday evening with a 'glow' … a softly lit space in the Museum's east wing, that added a special ambience and shopping experience.
The market, which did shut down slightly early Saturday due to winter weather, featured 18 artists displaying their wares.
From ceramics and pottery, prints and watercolors and stained glass to soft Alpaca yarn items and jewelry, the Art & Gift Market provided skillfully crafted items for the gift-giving season.
Carrie Depoy's creative rocks were available at the annual event. (You can also find them at the Community News & Market).
Cozy, comfy and warm... Little Creek Alpacas were part of this year's art & gift market (and are a regular staple at the Community News & Market).
'Friday night was wonderful with the music and a happy crowd of shoppers. Saturday was better than expected because of the weather, but we still had many shoppers,' said Gayle Carper, who is part of the organizing committee. 'We have built a reputation for quality hand-made items by local artists so we have a lot of repeat shoppers.
We appreciate Sue Scott and the Western Illinois Museum for allowing us to use this space. Sue was a big part of the planning, especially in blending artists' booths with Museum artifacts.'
Brightening the day with beautiful stained glass.
Handmade with love.
Handcrafted greeting cards let someone know you're thinking of them. Photos by Darcie Shinberger
Gourd birdhouses give the little cheep-cheeps a warm place to call home courtesy of Oakland Acres.
Jewelry by Gayle Carper is an Art & Gift market staple
