Photo credit: Morris Malakoff
It’s almost that time! Gather your friends to get a head start on holiday shopping with Fresh Arts’ 12th Annual Winter Holiday Art Market (WHAM), a three-day curated art sale and citywide celebration of Houston artists. For those who live outside of Houston, make this a weekend trip and join Houstonians who have made this holiday market a tradition for the last twelve years. Fresh Arts kicks off the weekend-long market with an exclusive “Ugly Sweater” preview party and happy hour on Friday, November 17 at Winter Street Studios. The market takes place on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19.
WHAM brings together small businesses, local artists, and people of all ages to kick off the holiday season. With artist demonstrations, live music, complimentary beverages, and food for sale by local vendors, WHAM isn’t just a market — it’s a celebration of Houston’s art community.
Photo credit: Morris Malakoff
“The greatest thing about WHAM is not only can attendees purchase one-of-a-kind, handmade items for themselves and others on their holiday shopping lists, but they can meet the artists who made the gifts,” says Fresh Arts executive director Marci Dallas. “As an arts service organization, Fresh Arts presents the market each year and, since its launch in 2006, it has generated more than $1 million for hundreds of regional artists. The market continues to grow as an important venue for Houston’s creative economy.”
Jewelry designer and WHAM participating artist Brenda Grands says, “I love this show because it is really focused on the art, and you can find all different types of unique designs. Those who come to WHAM are people that really appreciate the arts. I love being a part of it.”
Shoppers can expect a unique blend of fine art and handmade items from more than 65 artists, including paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, textiles and much more. And there’s a bonus: All sales on Saturday and Sunday of the market are tax free.
Check out our sneak-peek shopping guide below for some of our favorite items from this year’s Winter Holiday Art Market:
Clothing and shoes
Ceramics
Handcrafted soaps and soy candles
Handcrafted furniture
Handmade watercolor tea towels and pillow cases
Jewelry
Knitwear
Original Artwork
Purses
Ties and bow ties
Claire Drennan Knitwear, Artist: Claire Drennan
Brenda Grands Design, Artist name: Brenda Granados
Garman Furniture, Artist: Mike Garman
Ara Katherine Ceramics, Artist: Ara Griffith
Kathrine Zeren, Artist: Kathrine Gilmer
ARA Colors, Artist Name: Priyanka Bhasin
For tickets to the “Ugly Sweater” preview party, purchase in advance online for $15, or $25 at the door. For $50, you’ll receive the VIP Swag Bag treatment, which includes two tickets to the event and a swag bag to take home. The market on Saturday and Sunday is free and open to the public.
