MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – It's unique, inexpensive and 100 percent local, and just in time for the holidays! A hidden gem has transformed its space into a Holiday Market: The Anton Art Center in Mt. Clemens.
"During the Christmas season we make sure everything is beautiful and full of joy," said Anne Lilla, Director of the Anton Art Center.
Read the Christmas market blog here
Typically, the Anton Art Center is home to traveling art exhibitions, art education classes and artist-support programs. The center hosts open call exhibitions each year, but this time of year the entire second floor is transformed into a Christmas Market, something they've been doing for 35 years.
"We still consider this a show, not just a market," Lilla said. "The items are just so beautiful and unique it is like an art show."
Lilla says this market is juried, which means each and every artist is hand-picked by Anton Art Center volunteers.
"We're looking for work that's different, something people can't find at the shopping mall, product that we feel the artist put their heart and soul into," Lilla said.
From pottery to paintings to all things Christmas, people who shop at the Center can find something for everyone.
"I picked up something here for my boss, my grandchildren, all kinds of people," said Wendy Callanan of Mt. Clemens. "I come here every year because the items are so unique and so inexpensive."
A total of 111 artists have pieces on display, all local, all trying to make their mark. That's the mission behind the Anton Art Center's transformation: to give those who create a platform.
Seventy percent of the money made will go directly to the artist, the other 30 percent is donated to the art center.
Christmas Market 2014:
Open now – December 21st
WHERE:
Anton Art Center
125 Macomb Place
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 10-5
Friday: 10-6
Saturday: 10-5
Sunday: 12-4
You can visit the Anton Art Center's website by clicking here.