9 Places to Shop Arts, Entertainment & Culture this Holiday Season
The Fall trees have barely shed their leaves, but the holiday shopping season is upon us! This Holiday Season, the Arts Council wants to inspire you to forego the big box stores, chains, brand names and mass produced bits and bobbles and instead turn your sights to the small businesses, artists and artisans in the Rocket City.
Fortunately for you, we’re bringing the hometown shopping inspiration straight to you with 9 local studios, shops, and artists creating one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for everyone on your list!
Jackie Miller of Jac Win Designs
Studio 316
Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment
2211 Seminole Dr.
Specializing in one-of-a-kind pieces, Jackie Miller does it all – from wool felting of hats & scarfs, custom cameos, beaded & wire wrapped jewelry, angel pins, and even organic soaps. Step into her shop and marvel at the breadth of Miller’s talents while finding the perfect one-of-a-kind gift. While you’re there, be sure to ask her about the wool felting process that dates as far back as 6300 B.C.
Holiday Promotions: Receive a free Christmas ornament with every sale
Price Range: $9 – $230
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
2211 Seminole Dr.
This holiday shopping season skip the mall and head straight to Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. As you may have heard by now, it is the largest privately owned arts facility in America, with 200+ working artists, 127 studios, 7 galleries, restaurants, and event and performance venues. The best part about shopping at Lowe Mill is the opportunity to ask the artists, makers and creators questions about their craft. Prices vary but the stories come free.
Holiday Promotions/Events:
Huntsville Art League 12 Gifts of Christmas workshop for make-n-take gift workshops during the holiday season.
Holiday Artists Market @ Flying Monkey Arts, Saturday, November 28th, December 5th & 12th 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Many Individual artists/studios may offer deals as well.
Price Range: All prices!
The ARTery
816 Wellman Ave
The ARTery in Five Points is another way to one-stop shop for gifts. The local artist market is home to fine art, jewelry, and gifts from over 30 local artists. They also sell vintage records, locally made treats like Suzy’s gourmet popsicles, Jubilee cold-brew coffee, Piper & Leaf Tea, pastries and house a custom framing business in the back. The ARTery also offers gift certificates and gift baskets.
Holiday Promotions/Events: Black Friday and Small Business Saturday promotion
Five Points Night (exclusive for Five Points residents). Dec 4th, 6 – 8 p.m. 20% off sale and refreshments.
Twelve Days of Christmas – Dec 1 – 12, each shopper will be entered into a drawing. Each day a winner will be drawn, and they will win a prize (items from the store).
Price Range: You can find gifts for under $25, under $50, and under $100.
Museum Store at Huntsville Museum of Art
300 Church Street Huntsville, AL 35801
Exploring the Huntsville Museum of Art can be a gift in and of itself, but the Museum Store is a must-shop for its unique and local gifts. You will find original paintings by Vicki Sawyer, Marilyn Wendling and Patti Zeigler, Epicurean items for every hostess, art books and toys for children toddlers and babies, jewelry, notecards, soaps, and candles, journals, messenger bags, Lily and Laura bracelets, Cal Breed vases, Southern Growler beer growlers , books, ornaments and more.
Holiday Promotions: The Museum Store is listed in the CVB’s Holiday Magic Coupon book. The Museum will offer 10% off a single purchase during Skating in the Park, a discount usually reserved for Museum Members.
Price Range: You can find gifts for under $25, under $50, and under $100.
Jeff White Photographer
Jeff is a photographer specializing in wood prints of his original photos from Huntsville and his travels around the South. His works of art range in size from small table/mantel top pieces to large scale wall art. His work is available for purchase at his gallery located in West Huntsville. Through the holiday’s his studio is also home to the 3 Ring Traveling Apothecary pop up shop.
Holiday Promotions: All artwork is available at 10% off starting Saturday, November 28.
Price Range: Pieces range from $25 – $300
Huntsville Botanical Garden
4747 Bob Wallace Avenue
Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round and features the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house, a picture-perfect aquatic garden, spectacular nature trails, numerous specialty gardens – including an interactive children’s garden – and a variety of plant collections. The Garden also has a beautifully curated gift shop. This season make a day of it by perusing the shop, exploring the gardens, then in the evening taking a drive or stroll through the Holiday Galaxy of Lights!
Price Range: Tickets and Gifts under $25, under $50, and under $100
Guadalupe Robinson
Rail Road Room #1
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
2211 Seminole Dr.
Guadalupe Robinson is a full time potter who has been working in clay for over 30 years. Robinson grew up in Mexico City and brings both the culture and tradition of her Mexican heritage and the Deep South to her work. A true craftsman, each piece is truly one-of-a-kind.
Price Range: Many cups, mugs, and small bowls priced under $25. You can also find items $50 and under $100.
The Little Green Store & Gallery
820 Monte Sano Blvd
A scenic drive up Monte Sano Mountain will bring you to The Little Green Store and Gallery, a unique store in a unique setting. The gift shop meets gallery offers a variety of products for all budgets. With unique gifts, jewelry, pottery and glass there is no doubt something will catch your eye. They also offer complimentary wrapping for any occasion.
Holiday Promotions: Visit them for ‘Green Friday’ and Small Business Saturday promotions!
Price Range: You can find gifts under $25, under $50, under $100 and beyond.
Igumnova-Art
Tatyana Igmunova Hankinson is an artist and art teacher. Tatyana graduated from the Kubyshev Art School in Tashkent, Uzbekistan majoring in Drawing and Fine Art. She worked as a poster artist and has had personal exhibits in the Soviet Union. Here in the Tennessee Valley, Tatyana offers different media art classes for children and adults at Hobby Lobby Madison, Huntsville, and Redstone Arsenal.
Holiday Promotions: During the holiday season Tatyana offers holiday themed art classes for all ages that are family oriented. “It’s a lot of fun to come to art classes and paint with your child or grandchild or paint the holiday painting and give it to somebody special as a gift,” says Tatyana.
For the holiday season Tatyana is offering holiday theme Giclee prints on canvas 8×10
Price Range: Art Classes under $25
Giclee prints on Canvas under $50
BONUS: Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau
500 Church St, Suite One
You may be surprised to find the Huntsville/Madison County CVB on this list, but it is your ticket to budget-conscious holiday shopping and activities this season! They are offering a Holiday Magic discount coupon sheet that includes discounts to several local attractions and events, including some of the locations included on this list! You can pick up a coupon sheet at the Visitor Center on Church Street. While you’re there swing by the gift shop to pick up locally made and Huntsville-themed merch so you can share your Rocket City pride with family friends!