Creative gift giving is an art. And West Windsor Arts’ Off the Wall Holiday Market makes it easy for us all to become masters. The annual juried artisan market, which opens on November 17, features unique and affordable gifts, from original artwork to jewelry, functional pottery to women’s accessories. For five weeks, shoppers will find carefully selected handmade items for sale in the arts center’s gallery as well as online at westwindsorarts.org.
The event got its name from the affordable, original artwork also on display, ready to be purchased on the spot and literally taken “off the wall.” From November 6 to December 21, a juried exhibition of fine art by local and regional artists—working in oils, acrylics, photography, mixed media, watercolors and more—provides an opportunity for shoppers to pick up an original gift while supporting local artists.
“This show is all about providing an opportunity for local artists and artisans to share their craft and giving them space to sell their work,” says Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. “You can feel good about it, knowing that you are sustaining the local arts economy, and finding one-of-a-kind items. We create a festive environment and encourage shoppers to get to know the makers, many of whom count on events like this to sustain their artistry.
”This year, dozens of local artisans will participate, including a mother-daughter team who specialize in hand-sewn gifts, an amigurumi crochet artist who crafts whimsical characters, a scented candle maker, and so many other makers selling jewelry, pottery and home decor.
Ilene Miller and her daughter Lauren Dember are submitting pieces to the Off the Wall Market for the first time, at the urging of West Windsor Arts Education Manager Kirsten Miller. “My grandson, who has type 1 diabetes, was going to the West Windsor Arts summer camp, where Kirsten was very attentive to his needs. To show our appreciation, we made Kirsten some gifts; she really liked them and suggested we enter the show. The work at the Off the Wall show is high quality. I also really like the way they promote artists.”
Emma Price, a ceramics artist and instructor who recently moved to the area after living and working in Chester County, Pa., for nearly 10 years, is very excited to be part of the Off the Wall Market, and the West Windsor Arts community. “I was looking for opportunities and came across this show. When I got to the arts center, and saw it was in a renovated fire station, I said, ‘OMG, this is so amazing,’” she relays. Price has been having fun mixing her own pigments, experimenting in her new garage studio and creating clay pieces using a Japanese technique called Nerikomi. “I have really gotten into the process — I love the innovation and the play. It helps keep the joy in my life,” she explains. “I will be selling mugs, plates, vases and tumblers at the show, items you can use everyday,” she continues. “Having something handmade in your home, in your kitchen cupboard, can make your day. It feels so special. At a time when things are dark (in the world), we could also use a little sparkle in our lives.”
Established in 2010, West Windsor Arts is known for its exceptional education, innovative arts exhibitions and community service. West Windsor Arts cultivates the artist within us all, while inspiring a creative community that is engaged, inclusive and equitable.
