PENDLETON — The Pendleton Center for the Arts is connecting shoppers directly with the region’s artists and craftspeople with “The Art of the Gift” exhibit that opens Thursday, Nov. 18.

An opening reception for the public is planned for 5:30-7 p.m. Members of the Arts Council of Pendleton are invited for a special sneak peek and first chance to purchase at 4:30 p.m. Non-members may come early and join the Arts Council for as little as $30 per year. Masks are required in the building.

“We’re looking forward to providing guests with the simple joy of browsing and shopping with friends,” said PCA Director Roberta Lavadour. “I think we’ve all gotten enough cold cardboard boxes on our porches, and it feels like a good time to reestablish connections with the creative community.”

This year marks the 20th year of The Art of the Gift exhibit, and Lavadour said the event is known for bringing to Pendleton some of the best functional and wearable art made in the Northwest.

“It is designed to provide access to gifts that are out of the ordinary, and many of the featured items are one-of-a-kind,” she said.

In addition to shopping, which will be available until the end of December, guests of all ages can take part in drop-in, make-and-take projects each Saturday. Additionally, Kris O’Grady of Bushel and a Peck floral design will be accepting orders for custom wreaths beginning Nov. 15 at PCA’s website, pendletonarts.org.

The Art of the Gift is made possible through a major contribution from CHI/St. Anthony Hospital. The event runs through Dec. 31 and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday from noon-4 p.m. More information is available by calling 541-278-9201 or online at pendletonarts.org.