If you are looking for an opportunity to avoid the crowds but still find unique gifts for those on your Christmas shopping list, then Christmas at the Gallery is the place for you. The event is being held at the Kootenay Gallery of Art, located across from the Castlegar Airport.
Christmas at the Gallery is an exhibition and sale featuring works from artists and craftspeople from all over the Kootenays. "The thing I like about it is that unlike the craft market experience, you can come here anytime," said Gallery executive assistant Maggie Shirley. "You have the pleasure of browsing quietly. Plus you are supporting local artists and the local gallery too."
Both galleries and the gift shop are are filled with a wide variety of items including Christmas ornaments, paintings, photographs, pottery, quilts, fabric arts, woodworking and even puppets and clothing for the children. The open space and layout provides a no-pressure shopping environment. The selection is continually changing as new items replace the ones that have sold.
The annual event is one of the main fundraisers for the gallery and has become very well known and attended. Items for sale are high quality artisan goods that have been juried before they are accepted for the event.
Christmas at the Gallery will continue through Christmas Eve. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday in November and then seven days a week in December.