Giving the Gift is annual series that provides inspiration for gift ideas and resources you may not have thought of, while highlighting local brick and mortar businesses.

The series usually starts a week or so before Small Business Saturday, but-like the support these independant stores and organizations give the community, it’s available year-round, just click the Giving the Gift blog category.

Mostly Westchester-based businesses and organizations, but there’s a sprinkling of suggestions in lower Fairfield and Putnam counties. By no means a complete list, am always on the lookout for more good locations, and suggestions are more than welcome.

The romance of original art is undeniable. Art can also make you happy. Be it ‘personal art’ in the form of a hand-beaded piece of jewelry or woven scarf, a bowl,  a piece of sculpture, or a journal of handmade paper: someone put their hands to raw materials, and channeled their spirit and vision into something beautiful and funcitonal.

Westchester, lower Fairfield and Putnam counties are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and as well as talent.

Happily, there are several locations where talented folks, and their art congregate, and are supported.  Representing a wide range of mediums, most have studio space, give lessons and sponsor community events year-round.

Original art enriches a community like few other things. Like their FB pages, click their link for more info, check out their galleries, and bring your shopping list!

Clay Art Center Located in Port Chester, I first heard of CAC from a client. Their Opening Night Reception is Thursday 12/5; and my favorite, an avent that affects me viscerally>their Empty Bowls Fundraiser is slated for January 24th, 2014. Like them on FB

Loft Artist Association  Recently relocated within Stamford, their holiday show will be in conjunction with, with a portion of the proceeds going to Laurel House, an opportunity and resource center for those living with mental illness.  Opening Reception Friday  12/13, 5-8PM Like them on FB 

Putnam Arts Council Holiday Craft Show and Sale at the Belle Levine Center in Mahopac will run Saturday 12/7-22, and offers a 10% discount to members (applicable immediately if you join at show) Like them on FB

Mamaroneck Artist Guild  Two hundred artists call MAG their base. Westchester’s oldest artist collective, they’re on the corner of Larchmont Avenue and US Route 1, and their gallery will be open 7 days a week in December. Like them on FB

TOMORROW:  Giving the Gift: Westchester Booklovers are in Luck!!