One of the best things about the Heights is its thriving arts community. And there’s no better time than the holidays to come out and support our neighborhood artists, especially when these artists collaborate to organize a special event to make shopping for unique hand-crafted gifts a little more fun and festive. The Heights Holiday Market is just such an event, and this year it celebrates its 19th year.
Woodland Heights resident and jewelry artist Dorie Kerr, who has been organizing the event for many years with help from fellow artists, describes it as “the cooperative effort of local artists and crafters.” So, if you want to shop small and support your community, or if you want to soak up some of the good energy that’s invariably present when a group of artists work together and help one another, you do not want to miss this market. The 19th Annual Heights Holiday Market will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 927 Studewood.
There are many things that make this market special, chief among them the talent present and the spirit of collaboration. But its history and its choice of location are special, too.
“The Heights Holiday Market was one of the first markets in the area. We’ve always had it in someone’s home because we wanted to create a more intimate/familiar shopping environment,” said event organizer Dorie Kerr. “Bill Baldwin, owner of Boulevard Realty, has graciously offered both the downstairs and upstairs of his building to us for the event this year. Although it’s not a home, it is a hub of community activity.”
So yes, if you’re looking for that special neighborhood feel, this event is for you.
“Our guests love the opportunity to shop local, small, and for something handmade vs. mass-produced,” said Kerr, who creates exquisite handcrafted jewelry that would make perfect gifts. “We have a great group of artists who are invested in the Heights and bring that energy to the market. This year’s event will have more than 25 vendors offering art, jewelry, clothing, food, coffee, ceramics, decor, and leather goods. We love bringing the community together and sharing our work.”
With more than 25 vendors present, there’s bound to be something for everyone, but if you want a sneak peek so you can know what to expect, you can check out Heights Holiday Market on Instagram (@heights.holiday.market). Some of the artists and artisans that immediately grab your attention are ceramicist Cuqui Baum; Anne Gaines, who makes art featuring cats, because there must be at least one cat person on everybody’s list this holiday season; Alice Laguarta, who makes sparkly holiday wreaths out of ornaments; and Christina of Colorful Houston, whose Houston-themed paintings are quite unique and exude happiness.
These are just a few examples of creatives and creations that peeked our interest, by no means a comprehensive curatorial selection of this market’s varied and exciting offerings. There is a lot of talent there, and a lot of community spirit, too!
Also, we have it on good authority that there will be complimentary wine at this event.
Elena Sandovici is a full-time artist and writer living and working in the Houston Heights. She’s the author of several historical novels set in Galveston, including the best-selling Storms of Malhado. She blogs about art, life, creativity, and inspiration at HaveWatercolorsWillTravel.com
