July 31, 2014
By Hayley Thomas
What to get the person who has everything? Studios on the Park Programs Director Sasha Irving suggests an array of crafty, California-made items which will be on display at the nonprofit’s second annual Handcrafted for the Holidays fine craft show and sale this December 5 – 29. A wine reception will commence on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. at Studios on the Park in downtown Paso Robles.
Studios selected about 18 craftspeople — many of whom hail from San Luis Obispo County — to participate in the invitational fine craft exhibition and sale.
“The purpose of the event is to bring attention to the field of fine crafts and to provide artful gifts for holiday shoppers, as well as to support our nonprofit work and goal make the creative process available to the public,” said Irving.
A portion of every sale will go back to Studios on the Park, which provides free art classes to local children as well as a bevy of year-round workshops, art shows. Gift certificates for Studios on the Park art classes and workshops will be available in addition to the array of fine craft items starting at $20.
An opening reception will take place on the first Saturday of December coinciding with the city’s holiday light parade as well as First Saturdays Wine and the Arts. Wine will be poured by Hearst Ranch Winery and live music will round out the lively ambiance.
“People can come to Studios for the art of Christmas shopping, and there is something for everyone on your list with our unique, handmade gifts,” said Irving. “There’s a lot of affordable creations, including jewelry, fiber arts, wood work, ceramics, prints, glass and much more.”
Irving added that Studios volunteers will on-hand to provide free gift-wrapping to ensure that each gift is “present perfect.”
“It’s a really great time to celebrate the holidays and support the arts in your community,” said Irving. “In addition to Handcrafted for the Holidays, we are also celebrating all the young artists from Virginia Peterson Elementary School, who participated in our free Kids Art Smart Program, and their art will be on display.”
Irving said the event is a triple whammy. Those who are heading out for the parade and Santa’s arrival in Paso Robles are encouraged to stop by Studios on the Park for a truly unique shopping experience.
“People are continually surprised that Studios on the Park has gifts, and these are unique, handmade and affordable items,” said Irving. “We like to say that ‘Studios helps to create the art of a better community,’ and we hope that shoppers will contribute to that mission.”
For more information or to see images of gifts, visit www.studiosonthepark.org.
