T’was the season to shop for all kinds of locally made items last weekend.
By Sally Gracie
Hurray to the curators, Salyna Gracie and Sarah Jo Lightner, for bringing back Christmas trees to Confluence Gallery’s annual gift show. “Miniatures: It’s the Little Things,” is especially lovely this year. Christmas trees in the main gallery and the gift shop are hung with ornaments made by local artists in glass, wood and ceramic.
Gallery walls are ornamented with tiny jewels of paintings. Many are grouped according to the artist: animals by Mary Powell; mandalas by Salyna Gracie; landscapes by Mary Lou McCollum and Cheryl Wrangle; and many others. Along one wall a shelf holds paintings on little easels by various artists. All of these are priced below $100; they seem to be selling well as many already have a red dot.
In the gift shop, I found unique leather bracelets by Tingle ($38), Dog Paw knives by Phil Milam and rings by Sarah Jo Lightner to be the most unique items for gifting or receiving.
Gallery hours are Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Make time to pay a visit.
Liberty Bell junior Bryce Tillman dons a wreath from the senior class booth at the first bazaar in Twisp.
Because there are more than 60 booths to visit and vendors to talk to, my go-round at the first Christmas Bazaar at the Methow Valley Community Center is always to the nonprofits and service organizations. Yesterday I spent so much money on raffle tickets that any other shopping will have to wait till the second bazaar on Dec. 5. The raffle tickets will also be on sale then.
When it comes to raffles, I have a preference for the Twisp Valley Grange’s big gift basket — because I actually won it last year or the year before. Tickets are six for $5, and the basket includes wine, jams and jellies and pickles and soaps and coffee.
In the booth next to the grange’s, the United Methodist Women also have a basket overflowing with goodies. Tickets are $1. The American Legion Auxiliary’s “Comfort Basket” raffle proceeds fund a $500 Liberty Bell college scholarship. This year’s basket includes a full-size quilt. Friends of the Pool also has a nice holiday basket. You do not need to be present at any of the drawings to win.
A $5 ticket might win you a rug woven from recycled T-shirts by the kids at the Methow Valley Community School. Proceeds go to the scholarship fund. Liberty Bell School seniors are selling Christmas wreaths and swags to raise funds for their after-prom party. The junior class is selling $10 raffle tickets to raise funds for their trip to Washington, D.C. Pricey tickets but big prizes for that one. Little Star Montessori School once again is selling its Methow Values coupon book for $20.
Shafer Historical Museum has a new book to gift for the holidays. In Seven Years on the Pacific Slopes, Mrs. Hugh Fraser tells about life in the valley when she lived in Heckendorn in the early 20th century. According to Sheela McLean and Peter Donahue, the Fraser book’s editors, Mrs. Fraser’s text is anecdotal, her stories humorous and sometimes touching. Peter, the author of two novels, said that he was particularly impressed by Mrs. Fraser’s description of the local terrain and landscapes.
In 2014, Manger Mall helped parents give Christmas to more than 200 kids. Manger Mall will need lots of help from everyone if this year’s project is also to be a success. Donate gifts in the $20 – 25 range for the three age groups: 3 – 6 years; 7 – 12 years; and teens. Drop gifts off at Mick and Miki’s Red Cedar Bar or North Cascades Bank by Dec. 4. Mail check donations to The Cove/Manger Mall, P.O. Box 895, Twisp, WA 98856. Help will be needed the week of Dec. 7 at the grange, beginning at 10 a.m. each day. Call or email Wendy Braden, wendellajb@hotmail.com or (206) 999-1898; or Kathryn Eisenhauer, kathryneisenhauer@gmail.com or (509) 846-5371, to help.
