Heights Arts Holiday Store opens Nov. 3

Heights Arts annual holiday store.

What began as a tiny Lee Road pop-up with a few local artists in 2002 has blossomed into the 16th annual Heights Arts Holiday Store, featuring creative items by about 100 Northeast Ohio visual artists and artisans, writers and musicians. “We’ve been planning this year’s store since June, and are fortunate to have intern Megan Jones, a student at the Cleveland Institute of Art, help us identify new and exciting artists for the expanded Holiday Store,” said executive director Rachel Bernstein. “Megan is collaborating with manager Courtney Young to make this the best Holiday Store in our history!”

Visitors will find new giftable art from many of their favorite makers, plus an impressive curated selection of items by artists new to the store. 

“In addition to ceramics, jewelry, art on paper and glass by popular favorites such as Mark Yasenchak, Catherine Butler, Julie Edberg, and Sue Berry, we’re thrilled about the variety of new works from more than 20 new artists—ranging from adorable, needle-felted animals by Erin Carlson to handcrafted ceramicware from Amy Halko and abstract prints from Nicole Schneider,” said Young.

New this year is a holiday gift registry, which allows visitors to jot down items they’d love to receive as gifts; friends or family members can then access the registry when they stop in. In addition, Heights Arts has commissioned handmade Judaica, thanks to funding from the Mandel Foundation, and will have a custom ceramic menorah and pewter mezuzot available for order.

The Holiday Store is stocked with new, handmade items on a weekly basis, so visitors can shop early and often, and always find something new. A public opening celebration is planned for Friday, Nov. 3, 7–9 p.m., with a members’ preview 5–7 p.m. Special holiday shopping nights are planned throughout the season, including “Manly Mondays” on Nov. 20 and Dec. 11, when “significant others" can sip and shop and enjoy free gift wrapping for all purchases.

For more information on participating artists and expanded Holiday Store hours, visit www.heightsarts.org or call the community arts nonprofit at 216-371-3457.