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FeedLocal Artists Provide Unique Gifting Options
On Thursday, after the pie has been served and the dishes done, as you climb into bed and set your alarm for the ungodly hour of 3 a.m. (with visions of bargain basement prices and wrangling pushy coupon clippers for the last Snuggie) consider an alternative.
While the economy appears to be improving ever so slightly, I would suggest that you keep the bulk of your funds saved away for a rainy day. So, rather than trading in your 401k in order to buy everyone you love the latest version of the iPhone/Pad/Pod, go local.
We’ve heard the term "buy local" often, but have we really thought about the ramifications of such a venture? Here are a few tidbits that might help to inspire you. (Provided by our local buy local chapter of BALLE, Buffalo First.)
* Local spending keeps 3X more money in Buffalo.
* Local businesses create the most new jobs.
* Local businesses donate more to nonprofits.
* Local businesses often use fewer subsidies to develop.
* Local businesses are less likely to relocate in slow economic times.
* Local foods, businesses, organizations and practices make Buffalo unique.
Now that we’ve established that buying local makes good sense for our local economy, let’s go one step further. Giving unique handcrafted gifts is not only very trendy, it also means that there is next to no chance that your giftee will receive a duplicate of whatever you have selected for them.
Fortunately, WNY is home to people who are both artistically inclined and flush with entrepreneurial spirit, so there is no shortage of opportunities to buy lovely things over the holiday (and every day). Here is a select list of artisan fairs and shows, as well as a few shops which specialize in carrying the wares of local artists. You'll also find some online shopping solutions.
Select holiday shopping opportunities:
11/19-21 Holiday Gift Show at the Kenan Center, 433 Locust Street, Lockport.
11/20 Trocaire College Alumni Association is sponsoring its first Artisan Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, November 20. 20% of vendor sales will be donated to support the Trocaire Alumni Scholarship Fund.
11/20 The Holiday Show, hosted by Debbie and Linda from Buffalo Advertising, will take place at the Lafayette Presbyterian Church. The event has grown each year and has outgrown its previous locations.
11/26-12/31 ZGM Fine Arts, 1045 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo is hosting “Art is 4 Everyone” which features 12 artists for 36 days, and a wide range of gift ideas and price points. Kids’ workshops, and visits from Santa on select days, too.
11/29-12/23 Urban Artisans will operate a boutique for the holidays. Open from 9a.m.-5p.m., Monday through Friday at HSBC Tower, 1 HSBC Center (Lobby), Buffalo.
12/4-12/5 Artists in Buffalo: Holiday Open Studios & Galleries. Visit their site for more details and to download a map detailing participating artists and artisans.
12/4-12/5 Gingerbread Gifts and Glitz, hosted by at Gilda’s Club of Buffalo (part of Open Studios & Galleries). All artisans donate 20% of their sales to Gilda’s Club.
12/4-12/5 Roycrofters at Large Association’s Winter Festival. Located in the East Aurora Main Street School accross from the Historic Roycroft Campus! Main and North Grove Streets in East Aurora. Admission of $1 helps to fund RALA projects in the community.
12/7 & 12/8 Sterling Tavern, “Artisans & Ales”, 1487 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo. Hosting a group of local artisans – jewelry, photography, copper enamel, and more. Evenings.
12/11 Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, 695 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo.
12/11 Holiday Bazaar, Buffalo Seminary – supports the Alumnae Association.
A smattering of shops which offer local artisans’ products:
Thin Ice, 719 Elmwood Avenue at Breckenridge, Buffalo.
Village Artisans, 5560 Main Street, Williamsville.
The Museum Store at the Burchfield Penney Art Gallery, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo
Enjoy the Journey Art Gallery, 1168 Orchard Park Road, West Seneca,
Artsy Elements, 4773 Harris Hill Rd, Williamsville (at corner of Sheridan and Harris Hill)
Monday will bring a wealth of online shopping deals, so while you are spending your lunch break tooling around Amazon.com, swing over to Etsy, online home to 80+ Buffalo-based crafters.
Local online:
Links to individual artists' sites, via Artists in Buffalo
Thanks to Spree staffer Robin Lenhard, who assembled this great list of venues and events.
Reader Comments:
THis is great news I lam also a local business and I think dealing with local is the best way to help our area and economy.