Oglebay Institute’s annual Holiday Art Show and Sale not only benefits shoppers looking for unique gifts it also supports local artists.
The exclusive five-week show provides an outstanding opportunity for some of the region’s most talented artists and craftsmen to sell their handcrafted items to thousands of enthusiastic shoppers in two Wheeling locations — the historic Stifel Fine Arts Center, located at 1330 National Road, and the Schrader Environmental Education Center, located in Oglebay Park.
Both locations are transformed into holiday marketplaces with more than 50 vendors setting up shop for the holiday season. Area residents and visitors can shop hundreds of unique gifts from pottery and paintings to jewelry and textiles to home décor and gourmet goodies.
OPENING NIGHT
The show opens Thursday, Nov. 14, with free receptions from 5-8 p.m. at both the Stifel Center and the Schrader Center. Guests can enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres at the Stifel Center and desserts at the Schrader.
“Part of Oglebay Institute’s mission is to serve as a resource for established and emerging artists and craftspeople by providing opportunities for them to exhibit, sell and promote their work to the public. The Holiday Art Show and Sale provides extensive space, staff and marketing resources to assist them in showcasing and selling their work,” said Misty Klug, Oglebay Institute director of marketing and communication.
“Many of the participating vendors do not have storefronts. OI’s Holiday Show and Sale provides them a brick-and-mortar location to sell their merchandise through the holiday shopping season,” she said.
A HOLIDAY TRADITION
Klug is delighted to see the Holiday Show and Sale being embraced by the community.
“The show has become a tradition among holiday shoppers,” said Klug. “It continues to gain popularity, with attendance and sales increasing steadily each year. Loyal attendees come ready to buy each year, knowing they can find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on their list. The show also attracts new visitors each year, particularly people with an interest in shopping local and purchasing more personal gifts for their loved ones.”
The talent of the artists and quality of the merchandise keep people coming back year after year, Klug explained. Other factors in the show’s success, according to Klug, include the “festive, friendly shopping environment” and a shift in consumer buying habits.
BUY LOCAL
“The ‘Buy Local’ concept is expanding, which is certainly good news for our local artisans,” she said.
The Holiday Art Show and Sale is sponsored by United Bank. It will continue through Dec. 23. Admission at both locations is free.
OI’s Holiday Art Show and Sale is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Stifel Fine Arts Center and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Schrader Center. Evening hours are dependent on classes and special events.
For more information and to check on evening hours, visit www.OIonline.com or call 304-242-7700.
