'Art Mart' sells handcrafted work for holiday season at Waldron Center

For people interested in giving unique gifts to their friends and family this holiday season, the annual "Art Mart" sale at the John Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut St., is the place to look. The sale, which features items by local artists, runs through Dec. 23 and is located in the Flashlight Gallery. There will also be a sale called the "Cash and Carry," located a floor above the "Art Mart," which features wall art for $40 or less. \nThe "Art Mart" features many different items from local artists. There is everything from scarves, jewelry and hats to Christmas ornaments and pottery. \n"It's all local and regional artists. We sent a letter in October to all the artists on our list, and artists who hear about us or who received the letter stop in and show us their art," said Rachel Greenhoe, gallery assistant. \nMiah Michaelsen, Bloomington Area Arts Council gallery director, said the multitude will appeal to students.\n"There are over 50 artists featured in the Art Mart. The 'Cash and Carry' is just set up so you can grab it and run. It is targeted toward the student market," Michaelsen said.\nFor many of the artists in the show, it is the first time they have had their work in a show. Karen Green Stone, a local potter and teacher, has several functional pottery pieces in the show, including some bowls and seashell-resembling plates.\n"They are all functional; they are all to be used. They are greens and blues and browns, and they look kind of like something from the sea," she said.\nCarla Hedges, a watercolor instructor at the BAAC, visited the Art Mart sale. \n"There are just all kinds of things here," she said, modeling a knit hat. "A weaver from Columbus, (Ind.), made my hat." \nAlso featured in the show is Cathy Braunlin, a Bloomington artist who makes polymer clay Christmas ornaments. \n"I've done it for several years and started out doing holiday stuff. I had asked about putting my stuff in the gift shop at the Waldron, and the director at the time brought up the holiday sale," she said. \nBraunlin has created clay ornaments for about six years. \n"If you asked me what I'd be doing, I wouldn't have said clay. I probably would have said painting or something like that. I started out making little Christmas trees, because I had the clay. I bought it on clearance. I started messing around with it, and eventually I started making different types of ornaments. The clay found me," she said. "It was serendipitous."\nBraunlin's ornaments sell for between $4 to $25, and can also be purchased at the Indianapolis Art Center or out of her home. \nFor people looking to sell some of their own wares, go to the BAAC and make an appointment with Michaelsen. \n"They just need to bring an example. We are looking for moderately priced work," she said.