NOTL's Pumphouse holiday market great for unique gifts

As we hear more Christmas songs being played, and see Christmas decor wherever we go, we are reminded that the Christmas season is drawing near, and it is time to think of what we would like to gift our family and friends.

A great place to shop is the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre’s Holiday Market. This indoor event will be open from Dec. 1 to 10, in the art centre’s beautifully decorated lobby and galleries. A wide variety of one-of-a-kind handcrafted items by talented artisans will be available. Festive Christmas trees will be hung with handmade ornaments and stocking stuffers, all available for purchase.

Joanne Morandin, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre’s events board member says, “The Holiday Market is a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season. It’s a unique and festive atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of the holiday. The amazing array of creations by very talented artists will ensure everyone finds that special something for family and friends.”

If you are looking for a wood-themed gift, there are several vendors. JS Benchworks is an artisan duo that repurposes wood. They embrace materials that come their way into creative works of art, always prioritizing sustainability through material reuse.

Dezigned For U is a husband and wife team that together create birdhouses and other wood crafts, sourcing old barn tin and antique pieces to add character to their work.

Kreations by Kerri — Farmhouse Decor uses materials like old farmhouse windows and reclaimed wooden spools, repurposing local treasures into rustic farmhouse decor.

The Owl and Easel crafter transforms wood into personalized word art for special events, reclaiming and upcycling wood from various sources.

For gifts of jewellery there are several choices. Shimmer Jewellery Designs offers unique pieces of bead-weaving using needle, thread, glass beads and crystals. Coconut Quartz designs include artistic pieces that combine meaningful colour and stone combinations, using high-quality gemstone beads to craft wearable art. A new vendor this year is Effusive Arts, jewellery focusing mainly on copper. Other metals, such as brass, aluminum and silver, are incorporated into some of the work.

Vendors of self-care products include Body Soup for the Soul, the place to stop for natural products inspired by lavender fields in Provence. The line includes skin and body care, therapeutic products and candles created by a certified aromatherapist.

New to the market is Niagara Homespun Botanicals. Artisanal soap bars and skincare products are inspired by nature, free from synthetic ingredients and fragrances and packaged in eco-friendly materials.

Proceeds from the event go toward programs for children and seniors, including art kits for seniors and free art camps for children and youth.

Entry is free, with those who attend encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Newark Neighbours Food Bank. Shoppers are also asked to bring their own bag. Major credit cards are accepted.

Dec. 1 and 2, the doors are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From Dec. 3 to 10 it is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come to shop, support local programs at the arts centre and bring donations for Newark Neighbours. What a great way to celebrate the season!