Five ways to find creative gifts and support the local artistic community

By Kirsten Beard

As the holiday season approaches, finding meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts becomes a priority. Supporting local makers not only helps you discover unique, handcrafted and customizable items, but also allows you to give gifts that carry a personal touch and a story. For finding these types of special gifts locally, here are five tips to consider.

For a comprehensive schedule of art markets and bazaars this season, check out Canvas’ list here.

1. Choose custom merchandise and clothes from local sources
Looking to local resources for custom merchandise and clothes during the holiday season offers a chance to find something truly unique and tailored for anyone on your list. Chrystal Robinson, co-founder of LemonChrystal Artist Sanctuary in Alliance, explains, “Going custom is one of the best gifts you can give. It’s about creating something special for that special someone. Anyone can buy something on Amazon – it’s just not special anymore.” 

LemonChrystal Artist Sanctuary, a disabled woman-owned business, she notes, focuses on revitalizing the local art scene in Alliance by selling customized clothing, accessories and other items that make lasting, meaningful gifts. 

Robinson also says supporting local businesses goes beyond the gift itself – it can support a family and help the community grow, making a more significant impact than supporting large corporations. In addition to personalized gifts, shopping locally allows you to discover a diverse range of handmade items that reflect the spirit of a community. This holiday season, take the time to uncover hidden gems in your neighborhood that celebrate both creativity and connection, and help ensure your community thrives long after the holidays end.

2. Visit local makers in-person or online for ideas
Exploring local creators in your area, whether by visiting them in-person or browsing online, can help you find holiday gifts that stand out. Many artists showcase their work at pop-up shops, markets, craft fairs and online platforms. And, in-person visits allow you to connect directly with makers to hear the stories behind their work that you might not see online. 

Though some local makers also have online stores, Josh Chefitz created ActLoCLE, at actlocle.org, to help shoppers and browsers find Northeast Ohio makers easier and faster, referring to it as a “local Etsy.” Chefitz says the artists he spoke with when creating the website were all for the idea. 

“They wanted a place where locals could easily find them and find their events, a place where they as artists could find exhibitions and places to show their work and storefronts – like businesses that wanted to be storefronts,” he says. 

Chefitz also began an Instagram account, @actlocle, where he promotes artsy events and more off-the-radar things that have minimal advertising. “People reach out and they’re looking to find those places,” he says. “I’m somewhat of a connector and can kind of guide them and tell them where to go.” 

Chefitz says uploading content to his website is free, helping creators save funds for their work rather than advertising. 

Whether browsing booths at a market or scrolling through a maker’s website or one like actlocle.org, supporting small businesses adds a meaningful touch to your gift giving while simultaneously strengthening the local economy.

3. Select books by local authors
Snuggling next to a fire and reading a good book with a cup of hot cocoa could be someone’s dream this season. As such, books by local authors serve as great gifts. 

For example, local author and artist Scott Kraynak released the second volume of “heART of Cleveland,” featuring a more diverse and colorful history of Cleveland arts and artists than its first edition, published in 2018. Kraynak said his new book is more than just pictures and art history but also essays from some of Cleveland’s renowned writers and artists including Robert P. Madison of Robert P. Madison International Inc.; Julian Stanczak, the late world-famous optical artist, and his wife and artist Barbara Stanczak; and Douglas Katz, chef and owner of local restaurants Zhug, Amba and Kiln. 

Henry Adams, a featured author in the book, writes, “And as it happens, considering visual art alone is to capture only part of an even more remarkable story. What was striking about Cleveland at its height was the surge of creativity that broke through the usual firewalls that stand between painting, architecture, literature, music and other forms of creative activity.” 

Kraynak says he hopes people get a glimpse of the diverse history of Cleveland through the book, showcasing the innovation and artists who were born here. “I don’t think people realize just how much Cleveland artists have changed the world,” he says. 

Published by his company, Malenky Lizard Press, and co-published by Red Giant Books, the book can be purchased from local booksellers. The 180-page book was released on Nov. 15, and had a sneak peek event and related exhibit (on view through Dec. 28) at HEDGE Gallery in Cleveland. Kraynak says the book is available in softcover, and hardcover for a limited time as he will only make around 200 copies, signed by Kraynak. 

Whether it’s a novel, poetry collection, memoir or a deep dive into local history, a book by a local author offers a unique perspective and connection to your area. 

4. Invest in student work
Consider investing in the creativity of emerging artists by purchasing student-made artwork. For those interested in these types of artistic gifts, the Cleveland Institute of Art offers two concurrent opportunities: the Student Holiday Sale and the 100 Show + Sale. 

“The Student Holiday Sale is a time-honored tradition that invites you to shop for creative, handmade gifts made by CIA’s talented students,” says Michael C. Butz, director of college communications and external relations at CIA, adding that both sales are great opportunities for those looking to start or build their art collection. 

Some items available at this year’s Student Holiday Sale include glass art, screen prints, crochet art/wearables, necklaces, earrings, ornaments, ceramic cups, bowls, shirts, tote bags, stationery and plushes. Butz says more than 80 CIA students across majors will have work for sale. 

The 100 Show + Sale will feature paintings, drawings and more created by CIA students, faculty and alumni. The works in the student-organized show and sale will cost $100 each, or be in denominations of $100. 

Both sales take place from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 6, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at CIA. During those hours, shoppers can park free of charge in CIA’s parking lots.

“Shopping CIA’s Student Holiday Sale or 100 Show + Sale offers a two-for-one benefit,” Butz says. “Not only do you get to give a friend or loved one the gift of original art – something that’s one-of-a-kind – but you also give something back to the student artist who created that art.” 

The 100 Show + Sale’s proceeds will go toward the school’s annual spring break trip to New York City, where students visit museums, galleries and artists’ studios. 

When embracing the spirit of giving this holiday season, look to student work as the earnings will go to helping them grow their artistic practices and let them experience the sense of reward that comes from a shopper valuing their creative work.

5. Visit and buy from community galleries
Local art galleries provide an opportunity to find meaningful, beautiful gifts while supporting regional artists. Whether you’re looking for original artwork or something more budget-friendly, these spaces offer a variety of options that suit different tastes or price ranges. 

“The wonderful part about art is that when you’re shopping for someone else, you don’t need to dive into an art history mindset,” says Julie Polsinelli, assistant director and gallery manager at Valley Art Center in Chagrin Falls. “Essentially, there’s art for everyone.” 

One option to consider is prints, Polsinelli says, which offer an affordable way to buy from artists without the financial commitment of purchasing a larger piece. 

And, when you visit a gallery, spend time with what’s available. 

“When you visit a gallery or unique gift shop, be sure to take your time to make your decisions and to look at everything,” says Victoria Koehn, owner of Koehn Sculptors’ Sanctuary on Green in South Euclid, in an email. “The inventory in galleries is very unique. Art gifts usually end up becoming heirlooms and are less likely to be discarded. When they are re-gifted, much thought and emotion go into deciding who the next receiver will be.” 

Koehn also says without support for local galleries and shops, they will close. 

“A local gallery has a unique relationship with the community,” she adds. “We take our customers’ comments very seriously and purchase and create gifts that we think they would like. We strive to create and search for versatile and new collections and ideas that keep our customers excited to visit often.” 

As such, buying from area galleries has a deeper impact. 

“When you’re investing in these unique stories and voices … you’re basically purchasing a tangible example of what’s making the local economy and soul of the community,” Polsinelli says. 

By visiting and purchasing from local galleries this holiday season, you can give a gift that not only carries a personal touch but also supports your community’s artistic vibrancy.