“They’re the coolest, most unique gifts in town,” said Eva Buttacavoli, the executive director.
The Contemporary’s studio space has been transformed by Chris “Red” Newman into a festive holiday wonderland of oversized cutouts of trees and presents inspired by 1950s wrapping paper designs.
No matter what your budget, you’ll be able to find a one-of-a kind gift in the gallery. Prices range from $6 to $600, with the bulk priced between $25 and $80, Buttacovoli said. “It’s something original and it’s something created by a local artist, which supports our arts community and our economy.”
Gift certificates and gift memberships are also available and Buttacavoli will even help visitors pick out that special gift.
There are hundreds of gifts to choose from, and here is a sampling:
1. Buttacovoli commissioned 25 artists to create ornaments in their medium and style for the gift gallery. Each artist made a limited edition of 25 for the year. All are priced under $25.
2. The whimsical faces of cats are created in ceramic tea cups, mugs, vases and bowls by artist Katie Swartz. Prices range from $22-$65.
3. Photographer Jeffrey M. Smith is a new artist at The Contemporary this year. His dramatic photos of the Dayton skyline and other images are printed on aluminum. Prices range from $159 -$449.
4. Colorful “earth friendly” jewelry created by Tabatha Hemmerling is made from a variety of nuts and seeds. Varying shapes and sizes could be from tagua nuts found in the Amazon rainforest, acai seeds or coconut peel. Bracelets start at $38 and necklaces go up to $149.
5. Charming felted ornaments made by fiber artist D2 Designs. Jolly Santas, snowmen and other holiday characters are super soft to the touch. The ornaments cost $15-$18.
6. Silk and tencel scarves dyed in an ancient Japanese process called shibori come in a variety of rich colors made by Rosalie Campbell. Prices range from $25 - $70.
7. Ornate and colorful hand sculpted glass vases by artist Roxanne Howard are a one-of-a-kind piece. A dragon wraps around a white vase, birds and flowers rest on a slender red vase and a bright orange Phoenix rises on another. Prices range from $105-$150.
8. Night lights made by Kevin Tunstall feature a variety of images including the Mona Lisa, a skeleton and a poodle. The fun night lights are $26. Tunstall also has an assortment of mugs, bowls and dishes at the gift gallery.
9. Saylor stemless wine glasses in green, deep pink and orange hues are a colorful way to celebrate the holidays. Each glass is $30.
10. Peggy Schuning Mosaics uses slate, stones, marble, Italian glass and more to create stunning sculptures. Inspired by the earth around her, Schuning uses slate and marble previously used as roofing or flooring. Price range from $40 - $600.
11. Hats, created by Storylines are crocheted accessories inspired by poetry, literature and music. A saying attributed to Buddha, “They way is not in the sky. They way is in the heart,” was the inspiration for one of the pieces, a white hat hand embroidered with a heart. The hats cost $45.
12. Carry an aromatherapy scent with you wearing jewelry made by StinquePots. Pendants and earrings come with a small dropper to insert your favorite essential oil or perfume inside. Earrings are $36 and pendants are $42.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: The Contemporary Dayton Holiday Gift Gallery
WHEN: Open now through Dec. 22. Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. On Thursday, the gift gallery is open until 8 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
WHERE: The Contemporary Dayton, 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton
MORE INFO: (937) 224-3822 or www.daytonvisualarts.org
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