It is too easy to spend money. The other day I went to the drug store to buy toothpaste, but I came out with dog treats, a magazine, gift wrap, a package of scotch tape, a box of batteries, chewing gum, hand cream, light bulbs ... AND toothpaste!
Store owners know this: many of us are too
easily distracted by the interesting, the eye-
catching, the useful - and we too easily part from our money as a result.
When it comes to shopping for gifts, it is WAY easy - for me at least - to bust the budget! But I strive for discipline. I try, in choosing and purchasing gifts, to be thoughtful. Sometimes, a gift that's not too expensive or flashy provides the best return on investment: the best long-term value for enjoyment and delight.
Artists know this: many of us seek thoughtful, long-lasting, not-too-expensive gifts of beauty for those we love.
Around the North Country, many venues are trying to provide shoppers just these types of gifts.
Tomorrow, Saturday December 12, the Artists' League of Lake Placid is hosting "A Holiday Event of Original Fine Artworks: 100 (almost) UNDER $100" at St. Eustace Episcopal Church on Main St., Lake Placid. This event begins at 10 am, and will feature smaller works: pieces priced for maximum value.
In
Saranac Lake,
Bluseed Studios is hosting an exhibit and sale of work by members of
Saranac Lake Art Works through the month of December. Like the Lake Placid event, this show highlights less expensive works, both decorative and practical.
Besides these holiday opportunities, many galleries and gift centers offer affordable art all year. The
Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake sells the work of exhibitors. In addition to their usual offerings, the Center also has a selection of
repurposed/recycled lighting fixtures which, I'm told, are fabulously creative and fun.
The
Arts Center of Old Forge has a shop too, as does the
St. Lawrence County Arts Council . According to the
SLCAC website, their gift shop features "artwork, hand crafts, music and books by more than 200 artists from around Northern New York".
And of course there is the
Adirondack Artists' Guild in
Saranac Lake, whose members are always creating new, exciting works. Member artist
Donna Foley has recently stocked the shelves with skeins of hand-woven, naturally-dyed yarn, as well as cozy scarves and other woolen treasures.
Chances are, there are sources for one-of-a-kind gifts near you. I am sure there are galleries and gift shops I have not mentioned here. Post a comment! Let us all know where the gems are to be found!
Labels: Adirondack Artists' Guild, Adk Lakes Center for Art, Artists' League of Lake Placid, Arts Center Old Forge, Bluseed Studios, Donna Foley, Saranac Lake Art Works, St Lawrence Co Arts Council