This year’s “Handmade Holidays 5” show at the some things looming Fiber Arts Gallery and Studio, 526 Washington St., Reading, will not only celebrate the festive season, but also the importance of small businesses like the gallery.
The work of 30 local, regional and national artists is represented in the show that runs from November 28 to Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, 2014.
Participating artists are Joanne Bast, Erika Beaver, Shari Boraz, Denise Romano Bright , Linda Doucette, Eileen Doughty, Alyson Eshelman, Susan Fitzpatrick, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Leslie Friedman, Darya Gardecki, Ann Harnish, Christa Hirneisen, Pirjo L’esperance, Paula Lewis, Kathy Makransky, Claire Marcus, Kachina Martin, Suzanne Oswald, Matt Price, Marjorie Durko Puryear, Theodore Rasmussen, Rebekah Ritter, Carol Rothermel, Sheila Shuman, Dawnita Smith, Diane Troutman, Kathy Weber, Elizabeth Zipay.
There is an opening reception on Sat., Nov. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m., the same day as Small Business Saturday(R) when people are urged to “shop small.”
Gallery Director and Founder Rebekah Ritter said, “As a small business, we obviously appreciate people who not only shop here, but also come to see great fiber art. That’s evident in our Handmade Holidays shows that began in 2010. We are so pleased to see this grow. It also means a lot to our artists-who each represent their own small business. They continue to create many beautiful, unique and reasonably priced pieces. All art is priced at less than $300.”
Several artists are scheduled to attend the opening, which also features special music by harpist Anna Fitzpatrick and refreshments.
Fitzpatrick has played the harp for more than 10 years and trained on Celtic and pedal harps. She performs with orchestras and a harp ensemble, and also performs at weddings and special events. Her repertoire features Irish, classical, show tunes and sacred music.
Other special events during Handmade Holidays 5 are “Girls Night Out” during the afternoon on Sat. Dec. 6 and “Desperate Male Shoppers Day” on Sat., Dec. 20 with free gift-wrapping for the guys. Free parking will be available at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5th and Washington Sts.
Melanie Ritter-Mitchell, gallery co-director, said the gallery’s entire 500 sq. ft. exhibit area will be devoted exclusively to Handmade Holidays 5, which will have extended hours and be open Tues. through Sat. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Parking is available and easily accessible at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel and 750 Court Street garages, and on the street at meters. There are no parking restrictions on Saturdays and Christmas Eve.
The mission of some things looming is to create a thriving, viable community for the fiber arts and artist in Berks County and beyond. some things looming contains a gallery, boutique, studios, community spaces, classrooms, networking resources and a library. Housed in an historical multi-story brick row home, some things looming features gallery exhibits, studio and equipment rentals, instruction, workshops and more. Individual and group tours are by appointment.
Visit the website www.somethingslooming.com, email service@somethingslooming.com, or call 610-373-7337. Visit on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/somethingslooming. Tweet @ s_t_ looming on www.twitter.com.
From some things looming