LA GRANDE — Art Center East invites the community to kick off the holiday season at the 16th annual Handmade Holidays Makers Market, a celebration of local and regional artisans and artists, on Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16.

The annual market showcases 25 regional artists and makers set up in ACE’s galleries at 1006 Penn Ave. Visitors will find quality handmade items and have the opportunity to support local artists/artisans while exploring gifts and decor for the holiday season.

Handmade Holidays Makers Market is free and open to the public on Nov. 15 from 4-8 p.m. and Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s event features leather products, art, woodworking, artisan foods, glassware, clothing, jewelry, bath and body products and much more. The lineup includes both familiar vendors and newcomers. A full list of vendors is available at artcentereast.org.

VIP shopping

Once again, ACE is offering a VIP shopping experience that gives pass-holders an hour of early access to the market, along with refreshments, while browsing and shopping on Nov. 15 from 3-4 p.m.

VIP passes are $25 each if purchased by Nov. 14, and only 50 are available. Any remaining VIP passes may be purchased for $35 each at ACE’s Penn Avenue entrance on Nov. 15 starting at 3 p.m.

Purchase VIP passes at ACE during gallery hours or online at artcentereast.org.

Additions for kids and families

New at this year’s event will be a hot cocoa bar for children, sponsored by Perky’s Play Cafe in La Grande, and popcorn from Fit Fuel Cafe. The cocoa and popcorn will be available in ACE’s downstairs studio where kids can also enjoy a free art activity.

Support

Handmade Holidays Makers Market is supported in part by the Oregon Cultural Trust and Oregon Arts Commission. For more information on this and other ACE events, classes, and exhibits, visit artcentereast.org.

Regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.