Go! staff

LA GRANDE — Art Center East is celebrating local artisans and crafters with the 13th annual Handmade Holidays Makers Market at ACE, 1006 Penn Ave., on Nov. 19 and 20.

Across the two days, the art center’s galleries transform into a market of handmade goods, with offerings such as leather, woodworking, artisan foods, fiber arts, blacksmithing, home decor, bath and body products, art prints, paintings and cards.

This year’s event will run from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 19, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 20. Admission is free.

All items for sale must be made by the artist selling them. This year’s lineup, according to an ACE press release, includes a handful of artists that have not sold at past Handmade Holidays markets. The full vendor list is available at www.artcentereast.org.

“As an arts organization, the selection process focuses on curating a diverse selection of artistic styles and mediums,” said Darcy Dolge, ACE executive director. “Our selection committee works hard to balance the product mix among as many arts and craft mediums in order to showcase both the quality and range of work being produced in our region. That selection process also helps to make Handmade Holidays Makers Market one of the premier holiday markets in our area.”

In addition to the vendors, ACE volunteers have put together 33 gift baskets for sale filled with regional handmade items, artwork and small goods. Also, patrons can receive 10% off new or renewed memberships during the weekend, and a limited edition membership print will be available for purchase in the Gift Gallery.

Food and drinks return

Returning this year, Friday evening will include an outdoor beer garden featuring Side A Brewing and food by Brother Bear Cafe. On Saturday, Side A will sell festive brunch drinks while Brother Bear Cafe serves up breakfast. ACE will close a portion of Penn Avenue in front of the building Friday and Saturday to make room for the outdoor beer garden. Loveland’s Safe Ride Program has partnered with Art Center East to offer free rides home.

Classes

Art Center East will offer classes in their downstairs studio classrooms throughout the holiday market, including a step-by-step watercolor class and more. Classes are open to all experience levels. To find out more about these classes visit www.artcentereast.org/calendar or call 541-624-2800.

Several of the Handmade Holidays Makers Market vendors also teach classes at ACE. Look for vendors with a sign that reads “I teach at ACE” to get an idea of upcoming class offerings.

Handmade Holidays Makers Market is made possible in part by support from the Oregon Cultural Trust. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday from noon-5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 19, 4-8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Art Center East, 1006 Penn Ave.

La Grande