Annual holiday Arts Market is on for Christmas shopping

TEXARKANA, Texas — The annual Open House & Arts Market at the Regional Arts Center will provide the public with art, ornaments, pottery, baked treats and much more on Dec. 4 and 5.
Hosted by the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council's Women for the Arts and For Arts' Sake Gift Shop, the art market has showcased local talents for many years as the winter holidays begin.

Even this year with a COVID-19 pandemic, that continues, albeit with safety and health measures in place. Guests are asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Sanitation guidelines and enhanced cleaning measures will be enforced.

That said, nearly 40 vendors will join in the festive occasion that fills the RAC with creativity and unique, handmade gifts made by local artisans and artists. Open hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that Saturday.

TRAHC Marketing Coordinator Tiffani Whitehead said this market has been ongoing for more than a decade, serving as a holiday kickoff here with the uniqueness of handmade items. They're one-of-a-kind gifts.

With so many events canceled because of COVID restrictions, Whitehead said, organizer Jeanne Harrel has worked to ensure the market is a safe one for patrons and the artists they support.

Vendors will be able to spread out somewhat through the Arts Center space. "There are five new ones, and some of those that people have grown to know and love will be there as well," Whitehead said.

"There are woodturners. Always really cool jewelry. There's some local artists that do the jewelry. We've got them coming from Little Rock, as well. There's someone that makes walking sticks and hiking sticks we always support the canvas art and the pottery, as well," Whitehead said.

Laser engraving will be new this year. WFA will provide pre-packaged treats, while the Lot 1621 food truck will serve food outside.

"This is one of those unique events that artists kind of look forward to to get their works in front of the community and in front of people that normally wouldn't come to an exhibit gallery opening or things like that," Whitehead said. "And with the limited opportunities, it's more important now than ever for our community to rally together to support these local people."

She says it's time to rally around our artists to see their spectacular work.

"Because these local artisans support us. They support all of our kids in schools, they support the education in the arts. This is how they make their livelihood, and we as an organization that supports the arts definitely want to encourage the community to come out, which is why Jeanne has worked so hard to make sure people feel safe and comfortable coming to the Regional Arts Center," Whitehead said. "Because this is one of those times where you can get that really nice last-minute gift, even start your Christmas shopping if you haven't started."

(The Regional Arts Center is located at 321 W. 4th St. More info: Call 903-792-8681 or visit TRAHC.org.)