Calling All Holiday Shoppers!!  The Community Council for the Arts is sponsoring a Holiday ArtsMarket

Beginning Saturday, November 21 and running through Sunday, December 20, 2020.

Since Governor Cooper has extended the number of people who might gather indoors, we have elected to offer to the general public, free of charge and in complete COVID restriction compliance a Holiday ArtsMarket.  There will be NO vendors present and all participating are local artists and crafters that you know and love.  The Holiday ArtsMarket is arranged as an exhibition in lieu of the usual exhibition scheduled for this tie of the year. 

Normally, we would be hosting the Kinston-Lenoir Co.’s Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, introducing the dancers for Stars Dance for the Arts, and highlighting the works of artists from the Lenoir Co. Artist League in their annual juried exhibition, with members of the Skinner Senior Center’s painting class and smARTkinston artists. 

The reception is generally attended by 150-200 people with our TAPS-jazz group performing.  This is not to be this year.  However, the 50+ artist/crafter participants have brought in an amazing group of artworks.  They range from pottery, jewelry, paintings, decoys, books, glass, Christmas tree ornaments, sculpture, small dolls, quilting and fabric designs to name just a few.  There are special works for all of the people on your gift list, including the youngest to the oldest!

By participating in this Holiday ArtsMarket, you will be supporting the arts community which was forced to close at the onset of the pandemic – when restaurants and airlines shut down, so did the arts.  We know that you have missed the arts in the schools and community and this is one way we can serve you.

The Holiday ArtsMarket will be open to the public every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday’s from 1pm-5pm.  The only exception will be closure to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.   Shopping will begin this Saturday, November 21, 2020 and will continue through December 20, 2020.

There’s an added plus – free gift wrapping!!  If you would like to schedule “special” hours when the Arts Council is not open for the Holiday ArtsMarket call 252-527-2517 or email Martha Bishop at opsmanager@kinstoncca.com.  This would be a terrific way to get together with your friends, bring a club back together and shop with your family.  

The Community Council for the Arts has been closed since March and remains closed to the general public through the end of December of this year.  90% of our operating budget is obtained through annual membership, fundraising events and rental of our facility for gatherings. 

We have been unable to host exhibitions, receptions, meetings, reunions, classes, workshops and fundraising events.  We have also been unable to support the artist and artisans of this community and the extended region, which is one of the hallmarks of our mission.

We ask that you wear a mask, use hand sanitizer when arriving at the Arts Center and we will also take your temperature.  Please do not come to the Holiday ArtsMarket if you have any of the signs or symptoms of the COVID19 virus.  We will adhere to the number of people that Governor Cooper’s restrictions limit and therefore, we may need to limit entry as these restrictions occur.

Watch our Facebook and website www.kinstoncca.com for information and exhibition highlights and/or call us at 252-527-2517.  Hope to see you supporting the arts community!!