Great Gifting: Seeing the Art Around You

By now, "buy local" is a mantra for everything from where we shop for groceries to where we buy our books. Not that the internet doesn't provide a handy outlet when the thing you're looking for isn't available locally or the price is prohibitive. But there's nothing like going to your favorite neighborhood bookshop, browsing the shelves or talking to the owner…you know, in person…and discovering, say, a new favorite author.

Same goes for buying gifts from local artists and designers. I mean, not that there isn't some decent mass-produced stuff out there, but isn't it more fun to say something was made by a friend, a neighbor or even someone in the area, particularly if it's totally gorgeous?

With all the holiday bazaars, gift shows and studio tours going on, it's not hard to find something for everyone from beer drinkers to great-aunties. Here are a few local artists to get you started, and feel free to add your own faves in the comments section!

• Occupy Pubs t-shirts from Beer Goddess Lisa Morrison.
• Delicate jewelry made with precious stones from Lisa Belt of Maefly Designs (above left).
• Plein air landscapes, plus chickens and farm implements from Clare Carver (top).
• Contemporary illustrations layered into beeswax from Amy Ruppel.

Read the other Great Gifting posts: Eating is Believing, Giving From the Heart and Keeping Spirits Bright.