Holiday Mart returns to Sewickley's Sweetwater Center for the Arts

More than 4,000 items from about 70 local and regional artists will be featured in the annual Holiday Mart at Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley.

And there’s a story behind each one, said Barbara Pontello, the center’s acting executive director.

For example, one woodworker sources wood from all over the world. One of his trays includes a dark purple wood from Africa.

“It’s not stained, it’s natural,” Pontello said. “It looks almost too pretty to be used, but it’s very durable.”

One of the jewelry makers gets expert advice on the stones she uses in her pieces from her husband, who is a geologist.

Some of the artists are new to this year’s event, while others have been longtime participants.

The sale is set for Dec. 3-12 in the center at 200 Broad St. Opening day coincides with Sewickley Light Up Night, and hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hours for the remaining days will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4-5 and 11-12, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 6-12.

For those wanting to beat the crowds, the center will host a Champagne & Shopping preview party from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 2. Party-goers will have the first chance to buy the one-of-a-kind, artisanal gifts while ringing in the holiday season.

Admission to the preview is $40, or $30 for Sweetwater members, with reservations available on Sweetwater’s website.

For the first time this year, the sale will include an online component. Different merchandise will be featured in the center and online, but both will include an array of ceramics, jewelry, fine art, gifts for the home, gourmet treats, ornaments and other holiday decor, cards and more.

“We’re encouraging people to shop both ways this year,” Pontello said. “We asked the artists to select their pieces based on holiday gift-giving, and the prices run from a few dollars all the way up.”

Shoppers also will be able to purchase tickets for a basket raffle, with prizes including lottery tickets, art supplies, home goods, tickets to Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and more.

A final-day feature of the sale will be a spin-to-win wheel with prizes including center memberships and more merchandise.

Pontello noted that center members, volunteers, class participants and other supporters will receive a coupon in the mail good for $5 off of a $50 purchase.

For more information and preview party reservations, visit sweetwaterartcenter.org.