One of Kind Gifts this Year, Please!

Nicole Chillemi

I’ve always loved giving gifts to my friends and family. I don’t start out with a list or even an idea when I go, usually at the last minute, shopping for that something special. My preferred method of acquiring the right gift is the browsing method:   finding the best places to shop for those gems and then letting the process unfold. As the “artsy” one in my family, my gifts were highly anticipated at the family holiday gathering. One of my more infamous gifts was a handmade tray shaped like a pig that I gave to my Mom several years ago. My brothers AND my mom made so much fun of the tray I thought was so fantastically glorious. Years later, after my mom passed, those same brothers fought over who was going to take the prized pig tray back to his home. To me, handmade gifts are the absolute best. Not only are they unique, but purchasing one supports an artist, craftsperson or local business.

It is never too early to start finding those perfect items for your holiday gift list! Fortunately, here in the Lake Country there are plenty of options. Gift giving can become an art form and with so many one of a kind options available in the area, it can be super fun as well! Consider giving a piece of art or an artistic or cultural “experience” to someone on your list this year.

As the holiday season is approaching, let’s look at some of the great opportunities to step out into the community to find that special something.

The Artisans Village in Eatonton will be hosting a Gifts From the Heart- Holiday Show and Sale on Thursday, November 18 from 5-7:30. All items are handmade and priced at $100 or under.

Look for holiday open houses as well. Downtown Greensboro will host their holiday open house on Saturday, November 13.  Genuine Georgia, a specialty shop that sells works from Georgia artists only, will have live artist demonstrations in their wonderfully inviting artist market.

For your literary friends or history buffs, consider taking a trip to the Georgia Writer’s Museum, Andalusia Institute – the home of Flannery O’Connor, or The Old School History Museum. Schedule a visit or buy tickets as a gift for one of the many programs these museums host throughout the year.

If you want to support the performing arts and get into the holiday spirit, buy tickets for someone to go to The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton for PAPA’s production of Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party,” November 4-7, the Celtic Angels concert, December 13 and 14, or Oconee Performing Arts Society’s Fa La La Holiday show, December 10.

Another option is to donate to one of the many local arts and cultural organizations in honor of a friend or family member.  Supporting our local arts organizations is something we all can feel good about!  For more information about arts and cultural happenings in the Lake Country, please visit www.lakecountryarts.org.