Last month I had the most civilized shopping experience at an art gallery around the corner from my home. While sipping wine and noshing on Swedish meatballs, I chatted with the four artists hosting the show and then discovered some lovely small paintings (at very lovely prices) just perfect for some lovely people on my gift list.
An original piece that no one else owns ... the pleasure of an afternoon socializing surrounded by pretty things ... supporting a local business instead of a chain store ... and of course, supporting the artists themselves--all without spending a mint: those are exactly the elements I had in mind when creating Style Maniac's mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly and enjoy the season Gift Guide.
So, how does this help you with your gift giving? First, I encourage you to seek out galleries, shows, exhibits in your own town. Look for smaller pieces, emerging artists and student works for budget-friendly options. No worrying about whether the gift will get to you in time--you can take it right off the wall!
Second, enjoy your own virtual gallery party from the comfort of your couch. I've arranged with Denise Fike, a wonderful artist and friend, to offer a special holiday discount just for Style Maniac readers. Browse through the Denise Fike Etsy Shop and then take 20% off any item until the end of this month. She offers fashion plates, paintings textured with vintage wallpapers and new collage cards. The 5" by 7" cards, based on Denise's paintings with vintage velvet papers hand-applied, are made to order, shipped the next day and an absolute steal at 10 bucks. Frame them and you have a work of art for less than lunch at the mall!
GIVE THE GIFT OF ART:
Enjoy 20% off any item in Denise Fike's Etsy Shop from now through December 31, 2010.
Use code "stylemaniac."
Eve fashion collage and painting courtesy Denise Fike.
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