Art Fair gears up for first year in new location

The selection at this year’s Holiday Art Fair should be even more diverse :quot; and refined :quot; than in years past.

Organizer Patty Boyer guesses the opening of the new Lawrence Arts Center piqued artists’ curiosity and prompted more of them than normal to apply for the juried show and sale.

“This is the first Holiday Art Fair in the new Lawrence Arts Center. We had an incredible amount of people apply this year,” she said. “I think everybody is curious, and they’re starting to think about the new space.”

More than 65 artists applied for a spot in the fair. The abundance of applications allowed the jury to be more selective. They narrowed the list to 47.

“The jurying process this year was pretty fine-tuned,” she said.

The Holiday Art Fair :quot; scheduled for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H. :quot; features more than just holiday-themed fine arts and crafts.

For sale will be paintings, ceramic tile mosaics, mixed media, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, blown glass, bead work, photography, enameling, bronze work, dried and preserved floral designs, homemade paper, hand-woven rugs, silk scarves and purses made out of old kimonos and more.

“There’s going to be something for everyone,” Boyer said. “I think we have the best variety and the best artists that we’ve ever had since I started coordinating the show.”

Artwork will be available in a variety of price ranges.

At the fair, held on the same day as the Downtown Christmas Parade, patrons can shop in a festive atmosphere. The Arts Center decorates for the holidays with a large tree and glittering lights. Visitors will be serenaded as they browse with music by local Celtic musicians Maria Anthony and Megan Hurt. Liberty, Mo., violinist Maggie Pruit also will perform.

A wine and cheese reception is held at the close of the event. Freshly baked holiday treats will be provided by Pinckney School.

What: Lawrence Art Guild’s annual Holiday Art FairWhen: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. SaturdayWhere: Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.A wine and cheese social will be from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Funds from the event support the Lawrence Art Guild and local artists.