Rochester

PCCA Holiday Gift Gallery highlights objects created by local artists

By Mary Beth Almond
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo provided Many stop by the PCCA to purchase the ever-popular hand-blown glass ornaments for their trees during the Holiday Gift Gallery. Photo provided Many stop by the PCCA to purchase the ever-popular hand-blown glass ornaments for their trees during the Holiday Gift Gallery.

ROCHESTER — Those who haven’t lost hope for finding that unique, one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one can head to the Paint Creek Center for the Arts annual Holiday Gift Gallery to support the arts.

When the Holiday Gift Gallery first opened in 2003, organizers said it started off very small, in just one floor of the center. Now it takes over the whole building, which PCCA Marketing Director Ellen Hughes said is geared toward the holidays and gifts through Dec. 30.

This year’s Holiday Gift Gallery showcases the work of more than 60 Michigan artists in all media, including glass, ceramics, painting, fiber, jewelry, metal, mixed media and more.

“Everything is grouped by the artist, so you can see all the items by that one person in one spot,” Hughes said.

The PCCA Holiday Gift Gallery has something for everyone on their lists, Hughes added, including traditional favorites such as hand-blown glass ornaments and Pewabic pottery, along with jewelry, hand-painted photographs, fiber dolls, Rochester-related items and more.

“We have items that are for children, we have adult items, things for teenagers, really anybody on a list would be able to fit into something that we have here, and they are all unique and made by Michigan artists, so it’s a really nice way for people to support artists in their community,” she said.

Troy resident Barbie Buchanan — of Bejeweled! Jewelry — will have a variety of enamel necklaces, pendants and earrings available at the Holiday Gift Gallery once again this year. She has been participating in the event for more than three years.

“It’s a really nice show. There are so many talented artists,” she said.

Buchanan said creating is an essential part of her life. After an unsuccessful attempt to be a master gardener, she began creating nature-inspired jewelry about 10 years ago. Initially, she used only metal-smith techniques to form her pieces, and she now adds color to her creations with enameling.

“Many of the pieces have leaves that I enamel green. I love adding color to everything,” she said.

The PCCA hopes to keep the gifts in the Holiday Gift Gallery affordable, Hughes said. Most items are less than $100.

“We have different options in all different price points, so people can come in and find something for everybody on their list, and they don’t have to spend an arm and a leg,” she said.

The Holiday Gift Gallery runs through Dec. 30. All sales from the Holiday Gift Gallery benefit Paint Creek Center for the Arts, 407 Pine St. in downtown Rochester.

“What’s really nice about our gift shop is you are supporting a Michigan artist when you shop here, and not only that, you are supporting an area nonprofit,” Hughes said. “There are some really great gifts so you kind of get the best of both worlds.”

For more information, call (248) 651-4110 or visit www.pccart.org.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at malmond@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1060.