As wintertime descends steadily upon Michigan, most people are searching out the perfect holiday gifts to present to loved ones and colleagues this season. In Port Huron, there's an array of opportunities to favor someone with a one-of-a-kind gift that speaks to their passions, their interests, or their appetites.
Studio 1219 is a membership-based gallery space, and its 8,000-square-foot facility boasts not only a working pottery studio and learning annex, but the most square footage dedicated to local artists in all of Michigan. Some 150+ artist-members form the talent pool for Studio 1219, and provide original works across a range of media, including jewelry, functional and decorative ceramics, photography, drawing and painting, fused and stained glass, sculpture, and assemblage. Some artists are household names around Port Huron, such as accomplished stained glass artist Cecil Williams, whose brightly-colored compositions can be seen catching the light in Studio 1219's front room. Williams also teaches some of the stained glass classes, among Studio 1219's array of hands-on learning experiences.
"Our teachers will take you from the very beginning," says Executive Director Janet Prusik, during a tour of the gallery, "Even if you know nothing about [stained glass], you can arrive and still do something." Throughout December, Studio 1219 is holding "12 Days of Art Workshops"-- a series of classes, between $20-$50 that cover holiday-time favorites like blown, painted, and stained glass ornament-making, candle holders, and wire wrap glass pendants.
"We try really hard to include everyone," says Prusik. Studio 1219's regular programming includes monthly openings for member artists, group shows, and shows in the SC4 Gallery, dedicated to St. Clair Community College, as well as afterschool art programs, community mental health and community enterprises pottery and multi-media classes, and visiting shows, like the current Michigan WaterColor Society traveling show. The gallery also functions as a retail hub for Michigan artists, with their annual
Holiday Art Market running through the 23rd of December, for any last-minute gaps that might need filling. Whether you need a break from holiday shopping, or are looking for an opportunity to create unique gifts for that sentimental someone on your list, Studio 1219 offers a wide array of hands-on experiences and original art by Michigan artists.
For the hobbyist and DIY enthusiast, a visit to Mary Maxim is likely in order. Chain stores like Michael's and JoAnn Fabrics have become mainstream fare, but Mary Maxim is a true original, supported by a loyal fan base for their signature knitting supplies and patterns -- both locally, and as part of their thriving catalogue and
online business. It's easy to grab free patterns and project ideas right off the shelf alongside the supplies to see them through, not to mention the treasure trove of anachronistic craft supplies hiding out long past their availability at more run-of-the-mill retail venues. If the deals can't tempt you, Mary Maxim is worth a visit for kitsch value alone, and a must-stop for anyone with an inveterate jigsaw puzzler on their holiday gift list.
Of course, no Port Huron holiday shopping trip would be complete without a visit to Weekends, which has all the angles covered for lovers of the domestic arts. Cooking paraphernalia, gardening tools and regalia, gift baskets bursting with artisanal products sourced from makers around the state, and fun decorative touches for the home are sure to delight those with a passion for homemaking and sharing food and drink with friends and family.
Port Huron is bursting with holiday spirit and opportunities for unique gifts that inspire creativity and support the local market. Before you default to gift cards or regifting the Yankee Candle someone gave you last year, give yourself the gift of an afternoon to check out some of these unique points of interest in Port Huron.
Sarah Rose Sharp is a Detroit-based writer, activist, photographer, and multimedia artist whose articles have appeared in "Art in America," "Hyperallergic," "Flash Art," "ArtSlant," and others.
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