The holidays are upon us. Now that Black Friday has passed, the hunt for holiday gifts has stepped up. Original art can be a great alternative to mass-produced merchandise. If you’re looking for the perfect present, perhaps art is the answer.
In the heart of Topanga Canyon, nestled in a cluster of small businesses in a shopping hub known as Pine Tree Circle, you’ll find the charming storefront known as Topanga Canyon Gallery. This Saturday, Dec. 1, Topanga Canyon Gallery will host a holiday reception from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Artist and former president of the collective, Rebecca Catterall has lived in Topanga for more than 30 years and joined the gallery back in 1998.
Catterall loves the idea of putting art on one’s holiday shopping list.
“There is an art to giving gifts,” Catterall said. “Most people want to be personal, thoughtful, and remembered fondly by a gift they give a family member or friend. We want to help shoppers buck the impersonal trend of just giving a store gift certificate.”
During this time of year, Topanga Canyon Gallery members are encouraged to offer smaller works for gift giving.
Catterall said artists often find new mediums for their creativity.
“Last year one of our jewelers made gorgeous handbags,” she said. “We also have a wall of $50 works of art. There will be plenty of pieces in the $20-$40 range as well. But it you want to purchase a large painting, you will have many to choose from.”
Topanga Canyon Gallery is located at 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., #109, Topanga 90290 (310.455.7909, topangacanyongallery.com).
Also on Saturday, artist Stephanie Visser’s work will be celebrated along with the art Lorraine Bubar and Peter Kempson in an opening reception at TAG Gallery (D3) at Bergamot Station at 2525 Michigan Avenue in Santa Monica.
Her latest exhibition “The Inception Series” has been on view since Tuesday.
Visser said she is happy about the way her work has been received.
“I think it’s a wonderful time of year to support artists in addition to giving a unique and lovely gift,” Visser said. “It is an opportunity to give a one-of-a-kind present, and not just something from the mall.”
There are other ways to share the gift of art, Visser said.
“I have taken small works of my own, and framed them as hostess gifts instead of the perfunctory bottle of wine or flowers,” she said. “It gives a more personal touch.”
The opening reception takes place this Saturday, Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at TAG Gallery (D3) Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica. The exhibition will be on view through Dec. 22. Enjoy an artist talk with Visser on Dec. 15 at 3 p.m.
For more information, visit stephanievisser.com or www.taggallery.net.
