Turn the page, and suddenly it’s December. The leaves have fallen in neat little piles, the ice scraper and snow brush magically appear on the floor of the back seat and a bucket of rock salt sits beside the door, awaiting the time to do its job. And I, in my parka, search high and low for the box of gloves and hats I put somewhere theoretically easy to find.
Yes, my friends, it is that time of year. Christmas light displays are twinkling to life, making the after-work drive time almost a pleasure. This is the season of thankfulness and giving, a time to assist those in need in our own community by donating and shopping local. Please be kind, be patient and help when you are able.
There are more solicitations from charities than Christmas cards in my mailbox. How do you know where your money goes and if it really gets to those you want to help? Here are a couple of helpful watchdog organizations: CharityWatch.org and CharityNavigator.org.
Keep an eye open for pop-up art and craft shows — fun discoveries are hiding in plain sight. Remember the gallery and museum gift shops; they bump up their offerings this time of year. Memberships are gifts that keep on giving, including shopping discounts.
Stella’s Art Gallery
The annual Makers’ Market opens on Dec. 5 at Stella’s Art Gallery, 38033 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. This is a fine-art shopping experience with extra affordability and functionality.
“The Makers’ Market is wonderful! (It features) classy, affordable artwork created by local artists,” said Dani Klein, Stella’s owner. “Many of Stella’s artists have created note cards, coffee cups, shirts, coasters and more with images of their original artwork. This is a great way to give and appreciate art in your daily routine.”
There is, of course, a holiday theme to the Makers’ Market, with unique ornaments and delightful surprises. Online shopping is also available; hover over “Online Shopping” on the home page to see a list of participating artists, and you will be able to shop their studios.
The Meet the Maker reception will be held in conjunction with the opening of the “Toys” show from 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 12. Jeff and Cindy Sivyer will return as Santa and Mrs. Claus for the evening.
The criteria for the show is simple enough: Let nostalgia be your guide. Childhood favorites, well-loved dolls and toys, memories of giving and receiving, and — as written on the website — “Let your art evoke the sparkle of a snow globe, the laughter of shared play or the quiet comfort of a well-loved toy resting under twinkling lights.”
Artwork in all media will be accepted from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5 and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 6.
“We will also be doing a giving tree to collect food for those in need,” Klein said. “A list of what is especially needed is listed on our website. But this is not just something we are doing for the holidays; we are going to collect year-round and share with local agencies to get the donations to those in need.”
Learn more at StellasArtGallery.com or call 440-266-9111.
Valley Art Center
The Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, is inviting everyone to “Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk + Poets Respond” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12. Artists will introduce their work, and poets will share original verses that were inspired by the artists’ work. Two art forms will merge, connecting visual art and written/spoken words. Relatedly, the 54th annual “Juried Art Exhibition” will be up for viewing through Dec. 17.
VAC membership is now reciprocal with Heights Arts in Cleveland Heights and BAYarts in Bay Village. Members from any of these organizations can enjoy a 10 percent discount on store purchases.
Shop the new arrivals in the gift shop. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is free. Visit valleyartcenter.org or call 440-247-7507.
Cleveland Museum of Art
I think it is time to remind everyone what an incredible wealth of museums we have in the Greater Cleveland area. The cream of the crop is the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. General admission is always free, but special exhibits may require a fee.
MIX is an event held monthly in the Ames Family Atrium for those 21 and older. The December theme is “Snow Globe” and combines art, music and entertainment. Themed food and drink items, including cocktails, beer, and wine, are available to purchase.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme by dressing up in winter- or holiday-inspired outfits. Yes, “ugly” sweaters are welcome. CMA’s Studio Go will provide the makings for guests to create their own sparkly mini holiday brooches.
“Snow Globe” is a ticketed event running from 6 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 5. Admission to MIX includes CMA’s newest fashion exhibition, “Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses.”
CMA’s ‘Renaissance to Runway’ celebrates the grandeur of Italian fashion
Details and tickets for MIX are available at Clevelandart.org, 216-421-7350 or 888-CMA-0033.