LYNN — Are you searching for one-of-a-kind gifts for the special people in your life? Look no further than LynnArts’ annual Winter Holiday Sale, which takes place Saturday and Sunday in its 25 Exchange St. galleries.
“This is a great opportunity to shop local this holiday season and support local artists, designers and craft makers,” said Annette Sykes, a Lynn artist and one of the event’s organizers.
Participating artists include Patty Klibansky, Tia Cole, Nicole Werth, Maris Prost, Nikolle Ramirez Mejia, Joseph Fannon, Arlene Zubris, Lizzee Hall, Peggy MacNeil, Florines Mendez-Then, Ellen Garvey, Terry Spillane, Emmanuelle Le Gal and Sykes. Featured will be jewelry, sculpture, greeting cards, ornaments, soaps, pottery, art and more, all created by local artisans.
Emmanuelle Le Gal, a Lynn-based painter/graphic designer who specializes in watercolors and is a frequent volunteer for LynnArts events, has reproduced her paintings on a series of greeting cards that will be for sale.
She added that Santa Claus will visit the holiday market on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa will be happy to pose for photos with children and families, pets included. Sunday at 12:30 p.m., the Lynn Public School Band will be on hand to play Christmas Carols and add to the festive atmosphere.
Le Gal, a native of Brittany, France, has lived in Lynn for 18 years with husband Doug Hammer, a pianist/music producer, and their two children. Le Gal joked she was always a “closet painter” who focused on graphics. She designed and created the art for “The Devil and Billy Shake,” a rock musical written by George D. Simpson of Saugus, and has exhibited her work at the Land of a Thousand Hills coffee shop on Munroe Street.
“We really want our artists to be able to sell their amazing work,” said Sykes. “It’s also a time when artists can connect. Other gallery owners will stop by and see something they love, and want to exhibit Lynn artists’ work in their gallery. If you put yourself out there, connections are made and your work really blossoms.”
LynnArts Winter Holiday Sale, Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, noon to 4 p.m., at LynnArts, 25 Exchange St. Admission is free.