Deck your halls with locally made art this holiday season! On December 6, 2019, from 2-9 p.m., the North Louisiana Arts Council will host 25 artists and artisans and their work in a transformed arts market space located in the Norton Building in Ruston’s Downtown Cultural District.
Area artists have been selected to display and sell their works of original, handmade items at an affordable price. Shoppers are encouraged to speak with the artists and artisans about their work to learn about their process. There will be a variety of artist vendors selling unique items such as precious stone jewelry, wooden turned bowls, hand-crafted books, artisan soaps and essential oils, leather goods, recycled textile wearables, calligraphy, ceramics, paintings, photography, and more.
fiber artist: Dorene Kordal
The Holiday Arts Market will also feature musical performances throughout the night! Starting at 2pm, artists like Katelyn Fajardo, Piney Hills Harmony, Sharissa Martinez, Monty Russell, Bill Deese, Buddy Flett, Fiddlin Tim Trio, and Mione Destiny will be playing throughout the event. With the musical styles ranging from a cappella harmony, gentle acoustic harmonies, familiar Americana, blues, and torch-jazz vocals, there’s a tune for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to the musical entertainment, the Ruston Community Theater will perform a preview of their holiday show, “Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus” at 3pm. Community actors will be in costume to present a short sampling of their production that runs December 5-8th.
Need something to soothe your sweet tooth? The Holiday Arts Market will also host a Post-Modern Gingerbread House competition with cash prizes ranging from $50-$100 with categories for ages k-5th , 6th-12th , and an adult category. Entry is free and open to the public. All materials must be edible and not extend a 12in x 12in footprint, and you can submit your gingerbread creation by bringing it to the Norton Building at 2pm. Ruston’s beloved baker Paul Tran, will select the winners of the cash prizes and award the Judge’s Choice award. Tran will also be at the event at 5pm to sell his own pastries and tasty treats. You can vote on for your favorite gingerbread house to win the honor of People’s Choice by dropping a donation into the jar.
jewelry artist: Cathy Godley
If you’re looking to add a little extra holiday flair to your home décor, The Louisiana Tech Greenhouse will also be selling poinsettias. Make sure to get your holiday plants from the largest grower of poinsettias in north Louisiana before they run out!
Furthermore, children’s craft activities are free and will also be available from 2-5pm. Storytelling provided by the Children’s Department of the Lincoln Parish Library will begin at 4pm. Buie Photography will be present from 4-8pm offering photographic services for kids and their families in the Wintery Wonderland display.
Throughout the Holiday Arts Market, local food and drinks from downtown restaurants and food trucks will be there to warm your heart and your belly. There will be door prizes of artisan-made items provided by the participating artists given out every hour, and with luck, you could go home with a one-of-a-kind handmade gift by entering your name and email into the door prize drawing!
Whether you are a frequent art buyer or if you’re new to purchasing art, the Holiday Arts Market is an inviting place to purchase accessibly priced, gift-friendly artisan goods. Come join us in the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of the historic Norton Building for a dazzling night of local, handmade art, games, live music, delicious food, and tons of fun. We’ll see you there!