The Arts Partnership encourages shoppers to support local artists and performers this holiday by purchasing gifts at local galleries, buying tickets to local performances and donating to favorite local arts organizations.
To view more events and activities, visit The Arts Partnership’s community calendar.
From Christkindlmarkt in downtown Fargo to Small Business Saturday throughout the metro area, area artists and local galleries are ready to welcome holiday shoppers looking for unique, locally made gifts.
Whether you have an artistic dabbler on your list or you’re looking for something interesting to do with family in town, here’s a brief round-up of local artists, galleries, pop-ups, concerts and festivals that could turn this year’s holiday shopping and reveling into a new seasonal tradition.
While this is not an exhaustive list of upcoming local art events and shopping opportunities, it offers a tiny glimpse into what’s available to our community and how people can support local by buying local.
“Everyone is looking for those Black Friday sales, and if they wait a day, there’s a great opportunity to support local businesses and artists on Small Business Saturday,” The Arts Partnership Executive Director Tania Blanich said.
The local arts sector leader said it’s important to connect shoppers with unique gift ideas, like tickets to FM Opera or Community Supported Art shares. “I don’t think the typical holiday shoppers during the weekend of Thanksgiving know how much their support means to local artists and arts organizations. Or how much those on their giving list might appreciate something local and artistic.”
“The local arts community contributes substantially to the local economy, but there’s a huge social impact as well, ” she said. “When people support local art, it’s a win-win situation, for the purchasers and the sellers.”
For a more detailed list of local art events and special shopping days, visit The Arts Partnership’s community event calendar.
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday art happenings
Like other industries, local artists and shops depend on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday to boost their year-end sales figures, and many organizations and artists are ready for both.
At Gallery 4, 115 Roberts Street North, Fargo, shoppers can enjoy a Plaid Friday-themed day with hot cider and browse art from more than 45 local artists. Come back in the morning for Small Business Saturday and more treats. Pro tip: If you can’t make either of the events at Gallery 4, save the date for the “Miracle on Roberts Street Party,” Tuesday, December 3, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Folkways Christkindlmarkt in downtown Fargo kicks off Friday. Participants can enjoy an outdoor winter wonderland, gift market and beer garden, food, live musical performances, art demonstrations, holiday treats and activities for the kids. FM Kicks Band will play at 6 p.m. opening night.
Local artists from around the region will have booths for buying and browsing. Tickets are $5 at the door, 17 and under free, and valid for re-entry any day. View the full event schedule here.
Aptitude creative arts studios, located in West Acres Shopping Center and home to 19 local artists working in a variety of mediums, opens its doors every Saturday now through the end of the year in hopes of enticing local shoppers with handmade crafts, goods and fine art.
“We just really want to get people here and see what amazing stuff all the artists at Aptitude have for sale this time of year,” Jennifer Holand Nelson, owner of Jenny Sue Ceramics and a studio resident, said.
Studios will be open from 10 a.m. to – 4 p.m., and will include an assortment of fine photography, painting, functional pottery, decorative ceramics, jewelry, illustrations, stickers and more.
Holand Nelson and fellow Aptitude studio resident and ceramicist Tara Fermoyle of Fermie Studios will offer shoppers make-and-take ornaments for $5, while supplies last.
In downtown Fargo, Dakota Fine Art hosts its annual seasonal celebration at the gallery, 11 8th Street South, Fargo, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a happy hour at 4 p.m. and treats all day.
Local jeweler Malcolm Thompson is giving away free copper rings while supplies last, and there will be a free card-making station using gallery art supplies. Shoppers can enjoy artist demonstrations in pottery, printmaking, painting and jewelry. Event details here.
Unique gift
Many local arts organizations are also not-for-profit institutions that rely on private donors to fund their programming. From FM Opera to Theatre B to the Rourke Art Museum, gift-givers can support local arts entities by purchasing tickets and memberships, and also making one-time or repeat donations.
Have someone artistic on your shopping list? Artistic people are always looking to sharpen their skills. Places like Plains Art Museum, Unglued and Bonanzaville all offer educational programming for individuals of all ages and abilities. To view a list of local arts organizations that offer lessons, training and workshops, visit The Arts Partnership’s directory here.
One of the more unique gift items perfect for the holidays, a milestone birthday or anniversary gift any time of year is a Community Supported Art share.
Shareholders receive a piece of take-home art, a performance and culinary offerings at three unique parties hosted by TAP throughout the season. Shareholders get all-access passes to the three seasonal partiesTickets and more information at The Arts Partnership.
