Davis Art Center Holiday Sale 2011

Friday-Sunday, December 2-4

The Annual Holiday Sale is the core fundraiser for the Art Center, and is a memorable experience for all on-board. From handmade knitted scarves and one-of-a-kind wall art to ceramic teapots and Yummy Dummy natural chocolate bars (made in Davis), there are plenty of exceptional locally produced items for shoppers to browse. And there’s lots of food too: The Holiday Café serves homemade soups, macaroni and cheese, salads and more. Not to mention the kettle corn vendor just outside the building.

The Holiday Sale planning process starts early. A committee screens the vendor applications months ahead of time for quality and variety.  Fifteen percent of the sales go toward the art center’s education and class funds.

At the sale, kids can do their own shopping for mom and dad in the Children's Secret Store or make gifts in the kids’ craft-making booth. The art center sells over 7,000 pieces in the secret store, all priced between $1 and $6. Children go in without their parents, and volunteers help them choose and wrap presents. 

Attendees can also bid on handmade wreaths and artists’ plates as well as take a turn in the pottery-painting studio. The money from the wreath auction goes to the Davis Art Center’s Foster Children Fund, which helps pay for arts workshops for foster children in Woodland and West Sacramento. Part of this money is also given to foster children to shop at the secret store. The artists’ plate auction funds go toward the Gerald Wooliever Scholarship Fund, which is awarded to the winner of the high school juried art show in the spring. 

The history of the Holiday Sale is a lengthy one. During the ’60s, the center sold arts and crafts in downtown storefronts. In 1991, Vicki Plutchok, Sharna Hoffman, Carol Lee Coss, Ruth Shumway and others made it into a 3-day sale that reflects the current event format. This year's co-chairs are Art Center Board members Melody Ewey and Diana Coss. Roughly 200 volunteers also contribute.

The Davis Art Center was founded in 1960 to promote the appreciation and execution of the visual and performing arts through classes, exhibits, performances and special events. Community members interested in supporting the art center, local artisans and small businesses are encouraged to stop by and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. 

Where: Davis Art Center, 1919 F Street, Davis, CA.

Admission: Free!