We hear a lot about what the holidays "used to mean" - family, friends, good will, etc. But some time ago (let's be real, practically from its onset) commercialism shoved all that warm fuzzy wholesomeness in the corner, and the season became a cash-spending and ulcer-growing contest. This year, consider fueling that commercial runaway train with a little heart by giving the gift of lovingly handmade art. Bonus points: you'll be multitasking your gift-giving by also supporting the local economy and the local art scene. As a bonus, you get all the fun of looking at art in the process of shopping. But buying art can be thorny and intimidating, so here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Know your target.
Who are you buying for, and why? Maybe the well of cheesy office-related gifts for your boss and co-workers has run dry, and you'd like to do something a bit more impressive this year. Perhaps you have a time-strapped friend with a depressingly Spartan apartment, or a family member who has everything. Buying art for your significant other should be a snap, since you know them better than anyone else (in theory). In any case, size up the situation to the best of your ability, and don't just fly blindly. Above all, if you buy something because you like it, but have no idea if the recipient will, buy it for yourself.
2. Take your cue.
Which brings us to: how well do you know the person? Because you'll be giving an object, there are many practical things to take into consideration, to ensure that they'll be wowed instead of wincing. If you aren't familiar with your target's tastes in fine art, it's better to head for the useful-crafty end of the spectrum. So look for things you can decipher from their person. Have you noticed a fondness for funky jewelry? Would they appreciate hand-printed stationery for their office correspondence?
3. Where would it go?
If you do know the person's tastes in art - or even better, their favorite artist - the next important question is whether their living space can accommodate it. It's depressing for an objet d'art to languish in a closet or storage because the individual lacks a larger dwelling. And if there are small children or rowdy pets involved, maybe don't spring for that pricey fragile vessel.
4. The art of the deal
Many artists are willing to take commissions for art, so if you like their style but don't quite find what you're looking for, speak up! If you know someone who is starting a business, consider buying a gift certificate from a local graphic designer to commission a logo design. But it's getting late in the year, so get a move on before the artist's schedule fills up. When commissioning, be clear about the pricing and when payments are due, as well as when you can expect the final product. Do you want to see proofs or sketches? Will the artist refund the sale if you're unhappy with the result? It's wise to draw up an agreement with both signatures, so you don't run into sticky situations later on.
5. Showing off
What kind of green are you working with here? Not everyone can afford a major piece by an established artist, but there are many seasonal shows and events (see the sidebar for a list of some of the major ones) where talented emerging artists offer inexpensive but really decent work.
6. Group think
Many of the local galleries have group exhibitions in the holiday season that are more show than sale, but which sell artwork nonetheless. Check out the upcoming seasonal shows at the Oxford Gallery (paintings and sculpture), Rochester Contemporary (you name it), and Image City (photography).
7. Whatever happened to class?
Is your target an artsy person themselves? Think outside of the gift box and consider buying the person an instructional class at More Fire Glass, or with one of the local painters who teach, such as Sari Gaby or Steve Carpenter. Does this individual frequent the Memorial Art Gallery, Eastman House, or Rochester Contemporary? Buy them a membership and include a program of upcoming shows, and that gift keeps giving all year!
8. Shopping local, even online
Let us not forget the convenient pull of the internet. Etsy.com is a most beloved one-stop for all manner of handmade items. Click the "Buy" category and then "Shop Local" and type in "Rochester, NY" to see what's available here, and save on shipping.
9. Bring ‘em along
You always have the option of just asking your target for their input, directly or discreetly, if you have your heart set on surprise. If all else fails, bring your target to these art and craft shows and events, and pay close attention to what makes ‘em swoon. Then run distraction while you make the purchase.
Holiday arts & crafts shows
ANDERSON ALLEY HOLIDAY GALA Fri-Sat Dec 4-5. Visit with artists in their studios, and drink wine or coffee. 250 N. Goodman St, floors 2-4. Fri 5-8 p.m., Sat noon-4 p.m. Free. andersonalleyartists.com.
ART TO GO Late November through the holidays, with an opening party Fri Dec 4, 6-9 p.m. Purchase and take home art on the spot. Affordable art featuring the Archive's favorite artists, including Steve Dorobiala, Frank De Blase, Lucinda Storms, and more. The Ramp Gallery at Record Archive, 33 1/3 Rockwood St. recordarchive.com.
DECK THE HALLS Fri-Sun Nov 20-22 & Dec 4-6. Food and wine pairings, recipe books, ornaments. $36-$75. Fri 1-5 p.m., Sat & Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Various Seneca Lake wineries. senecalakewine.com.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR ARTS & CRAFTS SALE Fri Nov 20-Sun Nov 22. More than 175 fine artists and crafts people. $4, $7 two-day pass, children 12 and under free. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave. Fri 5-9 p.m.; Sat 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 271-4320, rmsc.org.
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS Fri-Sun Nov 27-29. Rochester Folk Art Guild crafts at the Harley School, 1981 Clover St, Middlesex. Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $2. 554-3539.
HOLIDAY SALE Fri Nov 13-Thu Dec 31. Gallery hours Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat noon-4 p.m. Genesee Center for the Arts and Education, Firehouse Gallery, Genesee Center for the Arts & Education, 713 Monroe Ave. geneseearts.org.
HOLIDAYS AT THE MARKET Sun Dec 6, 13 & 20. Unique gifts, arts & crafts, beer sampling, visits with Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides. Public Market, 280 N Union St. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 428-6907, cityofrochester.gov.
HUNGERFORD URBAN ARTISANS' HOLIDAY BAZAAR Fri Dec 4. Enjoy food and entertainment while you shop the studios of the Hungerford Building. 1115 E. Main St. 5-9 p.m.
METROJUSTICE ALTERNATIVE FAIR Fri-Sat Dec 4-5. Hundreds of fair-trade, earth-friendly, and/or locally produced gift items. Live music, food, free child-care. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Fri 6-9:30 p.m.; Sat 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $3. 325-2560, metrojustice.org.
MORE FIRE GLASS STUDIO HOLIDAY SALE Fri-Sat Nov 27-28; Sat-Sun Dec 5-6. About 15 glass, metal, and ceramic artists, items range from $2 handmade glass beads, to jewelry (lots under $30), to blown-glass ornament, to higher-end art glass pieces. 80 Rockwood Pl. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 242-0450, morefireglass.com.
SECOND STORIE INDIE MARKET Sat-Sun Nov 28-29. Indie art and craft bonanza. Visual Studies Workshop, 31 Prince St. Sat 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 442-8676, secondstorie.net.
WINTERFAIRE ART & CRAFT GIFT SHOW Sat-Sun Dec 5-6. Sunset Lodge at Bristol Mountain. Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m, Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $2. 374-9872, southbristolculturalcenter.org.