Unique, unusual gifts from Central Pennsylvania's craftspeople for sale at PCCA Gallery through Dec. 23
Nov. 3, 2009
Newport, PA – Each year for the last five years holiday shoppers have found a source for one-of-a-kind and unusual gifts created by Central Pennsylvania’s craftspeople at the annual Artisan Marketplace of Perry County. This year the marketplace is open Nov. 2 through Dec. 23. An opening reception is scheduled 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.
The works of more than 50 juried artisans whose jewelry, acrylic and oil paintings, stained glass, ceramics/sculpture, polymer clay, fabric, textile, wood working, felted purses, fishing equipment, mosaic planters and fiber art are on display and available to purchase at the nationally recognized Gallery of the Perry County Council of the Arts on the Square in Newport at One S. Second St.
“We’re glad to provide some business guidance and contacts so these artists and artisans who have a rural businesses or who are home-based can showcase and sell their artwork,” said Fran Verotsky, director of HACC’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, co-sponsor with PCCA of the annual marketplace. “In the five years we’ve operated the Artisan Marketplace some artists have established a customer base, and, we’ve expanded the program to other areas that HACC serves like Harrisburg and York.”
Having the marketplace in a gallery with regular hours presents another opportunity for the many participating artists: Unlike conventional art shows, artists are not required to continually staff a booth. “Artisans are provided the opportunity to network and share information with other artists and they receive support and technical assistance from the PCCA staff and HACC business counselors,” said David McNaughton a business counselor for HACC’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies.
 “The event continues to be a success year after year because HACC does a great job preparing the artists for this show. The artists are well-prepared,” said Jasmine Colbert, gallery manager for the arts council. “There’s a wide range of very unique products at varying price points for all kinds of gift giving within a budget.”
Fast Facts:
  • Fifth annual Artisan Marketplace of Perry County is located at the Gallery of the Perry County Council of the Arts, One S. Second St., Newport.
  • Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday through Nov. 30. Closed on Thanksgiving.
  • Extended hours after Dec. 1 are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The last day for the marketplace is Tuesday, Dec. 23.
For more information, call the HACC Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at 221-1311 or Perry County Council of the Arts at 567-7023 or visit www.hacc.edu or www.perrycounty.org.
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