Lubeznik Center for the Arts’ Gallery Shop will, literally, overflow with exquisite, locally made items this season. Hand selected by store manager, Esther Guncheon, one-of-a-kind treasures from gifts to décor will be featured during the shop's second annual Holiday Artisan Market, opening on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.
In recent months, Guncheon has earned a reputation for filling Lubeznik Center's tiny shop with tasteful goodies at every price point. With holiday deliveries arriving almost daily, plans have been made to expand the Gallery Shop into the Center's lobby where a spectacular display of gift-giving possibilities will include offerings from some of the Midwest's finest craftspeople.
Minneapolis artists, and siblings, Kristin & Eric Wornso create colorful botanical pendants made from glass and flowers, blossoms, seeds, weeds, grasses or "whatever they stumble upon growing in their local greenspaces and cracked sidewalks." A wearable gift for the nature-lover in your life.
"Fishmonger" Greg Summers, of Indiana, creates one-of-a-kind fish sculptures from recycled sheet metal, copper and steel. Each fish is unique—reflecting the material used and the whim of the artist. The sculptures range in size from small, to medium, to "OMG! you should have seen the one that got away!"
Born and raised in Bay City, MI, ceramicist Penny Knapp exploits texture and pattern to decorate her neutral-toned vessels—perfect for holiday giving and starting at $30.
George Boching of Pontiac MI, produces functional blown glass with traditional off hand Venetian techniques. Inspired by nature and an arts & crafts aesthetic, his luminous bowls, vases, perfumes, ornaments and tumblers—with prices from just $12—make wonderful keepsakes.
Needless to say, these uncommon gift items are limited in quantity—once they're gone, they're gone! For the best selection, shop early.
Lubeznik Center's Gallery Shop is open Tuesday–Friday from 10 to 5 and weekends from 11 to 4 (Central). The Center is located at 101 W. 2nd St., at the lakefront in Michigan City, IN. Visit www.lubeznikcenter.org to learn more or phone (219)874-4900.