Gifts of art can be gifts from the heart. Since we’re all spending more hours in our homes, what better time to buy art to brighten up spaces? Or gift an interactive art or craft project to keep a loved one busy over the winter, with a custom creation to show for it at the end? Choose to decorate with beautiful hand-blown glass pieces and paintings, wear your art on a shirt or hat, or start creating your own masterpieces.
■ 2020 Limited Edition Winterberries Ornament
These delicate borosilicate glass ornaments created by Ohio artist Bandhu Dunha are a beautiful addition to any Christmas tree or as a decoration elsewhere. The museum releases a limited edition artistic ornament annually. This one is no slouch. Toledo Museum of Art Store, 2445 Monroe St., or tmastore.org, $60.
■ Old West End / You Will Do Better in Toledo coloring books
If you know someone who loves to color that doesn’t have at least one of these coloring books, it’s past due. Both illustrated by local artist Maura Amato, of Toledo mural fame, these coloring books allow individuals to create their own artistic version of Glass City landmarks and happy spaces including the 577 Foundation, the Oliver House, and beautiful historic homes in the Old West End. Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St., or shophandmadetoledo.com, $18 each.
■ Artistic T-shirts
Help loved ones show their Toledo pride with a t-shirt from Printed on a Lark that shows off their love for the Glass City and all it has to offer. The store opened in 2014 under the thumb of designers Julia and Steve Lark, who offer custom designs that scream local. Printed On a Lark, 3726 S. Detroit Ave., 419-544-5284 or printedonalark.com, custom t-shirts, $20; 419 Strong masks, $8 each or 3 for $20.
■ A virtual art show and sale
You want to shop local art you say? The Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commission has got you covered. In the age of COVID-19 and multiple art event cancellations, the non-profit is offering an online sale of art created by more than two dozen artists, including photographs, paintings, jewelry, and other mediums. Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commission, awaac.org/works-on-the-web-page-1, Not Your Mother’s Pearl Bracelet, Sarah Voltz, $49.
■ Art Supply abundance
Everyone can create; they just need to start. Let Art Supply Depo be the local art supply source to rev your creative juices this winter. They have been around for more than a decade, and recently opened a new shop in Sylvania. From pencils to pens to paint brushes, along with the surfaces to create on, and even gift cards, there is something for everyone here. Art Supply Depo, 5739 N. Main St., Sylvania, or 435 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green, Emilio Braga handmade custom journals and sketchbooks in 11 colors, small: $18; medium: $26, large: $39. Gelly Roll Pens in 15 colors, individuals: $1.49 each; sets: $7.45 - $14.90.
First Published December 15, 2020, 1:21 p.m.
