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

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

âÂÂThis is the first Holiday Art Fair in the new Lawrence Arts Center. We had an incredible amount of people apply this year,â she said. âÂÂI think everybody is curious, and theyâÂÂre starting to think about the new space.âÂÂ

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.

âÂÂThe jurying process this year was pretty fine-tuned,â she said.

The Holiday Art Fair âÂÂ:quot; scheduled for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H. âÂÂ: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.

âÂÂThereâÂÂs going to be something for everyone,â Boyer said. âÂÂI think we have the best variety and the best artists that weâÂÂve ever had since I started coordinating the show.âÂÂ

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.

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