In less than two weeks, it will be Black Friday and then Shop Small Saturday, and while your working on that list, checking who’s naughty or nice, here’s a list of Vineyard artisan holiday shows to shop for your favorite Island made gifts. Also, being a part of a small community whether you live here or visit, we all know how important it is to shop local whenever it’s possible. Hopefully, this On Point blog will help make it easier and more fun.
The First Event of the Season
Kicking off the holiday shopping season was the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center’s Annual Artisan Fair which happened last Sunday. This wonderful event featuring a number of local artist was what gave me the idea to do a blog for people to reference for holiday gift needs from local artisans.
Here, there was something for everyone on your list. Blue Wave Body Co., along with their signature body product’s holiday scents, including Sugar Plum which is made with plum, black raspberry, vanilla and sugar, and smells so beautiful – warning this does sell out.
Rebeccah J was at the event and has stocked up on her signature leather pieces including my personal obsession – the Mermaid Cuff, along with lots of other new additions. She has a busy schedule for the holidays and can be found a few times for all your shopping needs, including a couple fun pop-ups.
I met a new artist, well new to me, Austin Designs, one of a kind originals made by Rachel Austin Baumrin. I was particularly fond of her handmade plaid throws and pillows, both of which are less than $50.00. I think these are great gifts for students, friends, family, even kids.
Featherstone
For 13 years now, Featherstone has hosted an amazing holiday gift show. For almost a full month, November 21st – December 20th, you can shop a carefully curated artisan craft show. Here, you find clothing, jewelry, pottery (including the lovely work of Birdsong Designs, gift boxes, soaps, specialty food items and so much more.
Just a little more about Birdsong Designs, in addition to pottery, Helayne Cohen has been making intricate beaded hair accessories that have been and continue to be sold at Soux Eagle Designs, since 1988. I always enjoy hearing from artists about their history, and being successful for almost 30 years is pretty amazing.
The Oak Bluffs Open Market
The Oak Bluffs Open Market is taking things indoors and offering two holiday markets, Black Friday Open Market, November 27th, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and another market on Saturday, December 5th, also from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The events will be held at The Oceanview Restaurant. The dining room space is pretty large, so I bet there will be a lot of fun artists selling their goodies at both events, including the amazing wool creations from Something Nice Martha’s Vineyard. An added bonus is that you can shop and have lunch and perhaps even a cocktail. Sounds like a plan to me.
Vineyard Artisan Festival
For 18th years now, the Thanksgiving Festival has been delighting holiday shoppers Thanksgiving weekend. At the Ag Hall, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 28th and Sunday, Noveber 29th, this is one of the largest holiday art shows by Islanders. Here you’ll find a number of handmade holiday finds like Island lavender, leather and vintage material bags, wood butcher block cutting boards, and a lot more. A $2.00 parking fee for Scholarship fund benefits students at MVRHS.
This festival is a great way to walk off and shop off some of those calories, see friends, chat with artists and have a great Island experience. I think there are over 100 artists featured – get ready to shop.
If you miss this one, then perhaps you can make the 8th Annual Holiday Festival at the Grange Hall on Saturday, December 12th, also 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It’s a little smaller of an event but just as fun.
23rd Annual Christmas in Edgartown Holiday Art &Crafts Festival
For 23 years now, there has been an amazing holiday art & craft festival at the Edgartown School, on the Saturday, December 12th, of this festive weekend. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the gym is packed with all sorts of special finds, many of which you might not find any where else. I love in to this one – immediately greeted by beautiful treats from a bake sale, happy parents, and just a really good energy.
Also, the event itself is a fundraiser for the 8th grade trip to D.C. So, you can shop and do good all at the same time.
Heard the Newes? Local Arts & Crafts Fair at the Kelley House
Also during the weekend of Christmas in Edgartown, Friday, December 11th – Sunday, December 13th, the Kelley House is hosting CIE Local Arts & Crafts Fair. Since there is already so much fun happening in town this week, it will be easy to stop by and shop local.
An added bonus, when you’re done, you can celebrate your success with a pint and bite to eat right next store at the Newes.
Vineyard Holiday Gift Shop
On Spring Street in Vineyard Haven, you’ll find the Vineyard Holiday Gift Shop which opens this Saturday, November 21st and is open daily throughout the holiday season.
Here too you will find a number of Island artists goods stocking the shelves. With too many to name, some of my favorite from last year were Orange Peel Bakery, love their granola, beautiful wrap bracelets by MV Treasures, and of course Simple Joy Herbals (love my lavender lip balm).
Chilmark Flea Market
For two days, Friday, December 18th and Saturday, December 19th, the Chilmark Flea is happening. It’s holiday home is the Chilmark Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This is always one of the best places to find an eclectic and fabulous group of local artists to tempt you with gifts for yourself and for others.
You’ll find such favs like Lure Fish, Tisbury Turkey and their “Good Boxes”, Island Wampum and so many more. Make sure you give yourself enough time to really shop.
Additional Events
Be on the lookout for other events, trunk shows and “pop-ups” that happen during the holiday, like the MV Tattoo Presents: Holiday Market Pop- Up Shop, on Friday December 4th and Saturday December 5th. Here, you’ll find a selection from some of the hottest Island artists, many of which are my personal favorites, including Barnyard Saints, Hawkhouse, Kenworthy, Rebeccah J, Island Wampum, and Island Made Jewelry.
Also, there will be a “Pop-Up” shop during Christmas in Edgartown, at 31 North Summer Street, more details to come on this one. I am intrigued about who the line-up will be as this will be very much a boutique inspired shop.
Have fun shopping at all of these fabulous holiday events! Don’t underestimate your power and how much you help the Island when you shop local.
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Looks like you guys have some talented people participating this year. Looks great!