It is hard to imagine that just four weeks ago the 2013 holiday artists’ market season kicked off and this weekend we are beginning to see it come to a close.
But before you think about stopping your quest for the perfect locally crafted gift, there is one more exciting event that should be on your list of stops this Saturday.
While others might be happy to pony up to the mall buying a mass-produced gift wrapped in plastic, the Avenue for the Arts annual Urban Lights is one of the longest-running and very best shopping experiences that will hit every single button with such incredible style.
For starters, many of the shops along the Avenue are typically open funky hours around the year, with many by appointment only, but when Urban Lights rolls around each year, this is the best time to explore the artists’ galleries and workspaces. Shops are packed full, not just of their creations, but often of those items from other local and international artists, who make appearances each year in this small start-up businesses.
Must-stop venues along the street include everything from the cleverly curated shop at the UICA; Craft House’s pop-up shop featuring the local debut of Issue Press’s brand spanking new Grand Rapids First’s Calendar; the Heartside Gallery’s showcase of 30 artists (and their ONLY holiday sale this season); to my favorite book lover’s paradise, Have Company.
“We have grown so accustomed to frenetic shopping that slowing down allows us to make thoughtful gift decisions,” says Dwelling Place’s Avenue for the Arts Coordinator Jenn Schaub. “At Urban Lights you can buy local or hyper-local by often purchasing directly from the maker. We want to continue to encourage holiday shopping that is truly artisan.”
And if you have been wondering where you can possibly grab something to eat for now or later, be sure to stop in at any of the many new vendors, like the Local Epicurean or Propaganda Doughnuts, or stop off for a drink at Pub 43 or Rockwell’s, which is always packed this time of the year.
Other spots worth visiting are our two downtown record stores, Vertigo Music and Dodd’s Records (under the new management of the Rev. Charles of the PotatoeBabies), who’ll be showcasing an inventory of hard-to-find and rare vinyl, cassettes tapes and other art-themed specials.
For the most up-to-date info on the artists, Schaub recommends visiting the event’s Facebook page, where photos are being added all the time.
Admission: Free
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