TEXARKANA, Texas -- The Holiday Arts Market, hosted by Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council, is slated for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Doll clothes, a wide array of jewelry, including bling jewelry on sunglasses, hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments, knitted items, bowls, sculpture, wooden snowmen, walking sticks, goat cheese and leather goods are among the vast array of offerings.
Admission to the event is free and it can serve as a one-stop shop to purchase artisan-made items. It is always held in the Regional Arts Center, at the corner of East Fourth Street and Texas Boulevard.
The cancellation of the Junior League's Mistletoe Fair this year means Holiday Arts Market becomes even more important when shopping for local and regional goods from artisans, said Jeanne Harrel, For Arts Sake Gift Shop manager for 30 years.
Artists will be on all four floors, including in the basement this year.
However, one of the biggest changes this year is that artists will not be in the three rooms serving as galleries on the first floor. The current exhibit's management firm has a stipulation in its contract stating that no other items can be in the gallery rooms with the current exhibit.
Harrel said when the Holiday Arts Market began, it was the only for the artists to show and sell their items.
"They didn't have a place. There was no wine and food festival and the (1894) Gallery was not open on Olive Street," she said.
Holiday Arts Market gives TRAHC a way to give back to and showcase the artists.
Last year, some of the artists backed out because of COVID concerns and everyone was required to wear a mask (wearing a mask is optional this year). The doors and windows were open with fans blowing and nobody got sick, Harrel said.
"We had about half of the crowd we normally had, but we always had people coming through. The vendors said they did as well or better last year. I believe those who came out came to shop. I anticipate that will happen this year," she said.
Live music will also be offered this year.
Also, Lot 1621 food truck will be at the event so vendors and shoppers can refuel.
Masks will be optional, fans will be on and several windows will be open.
(The Regional Arts Center is located at 321 W. 4th St. More info: Call 903-792-8681 or visit TRAHC.org.)
(For more information, call TRAHC at 903-792-8681.)