The 2011 Holiday Art and Craft Market at 115 South Queen Street in Martinsburg will officially open today at noon! So when you head out to start your Holiday shopping, stop by here first. We don’t have any big screen TVs but you’ll find a wide selection of creative gifts from 22 local artists and artisans to fit any budget.

Come by between 3pm and 7pm for an opening reception and meet some of our artists, enjoy light refreshments, and then live music starting at 5.

The Holiday Art and Craft Market will be open Wednesday-Thursday, Noon-6pm, Friday-Saturday, Noon-8pm, and Sunday, Noon-4 through December 23.

The Market is a collaboration of the Berkeley Arts Council, The Heritage Craft Center, and ArtBerkeley. A portion of the sales will go to these 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations to support their ongoing community arts programs.

The creations of 23 artists will be on display at the Holiday Art and Craft Market beginning Friday, November 25 and visitors are invited to come meet the talented local artisans, painters, designers and photographers during a reception on Friday, November 25 from 3 to 7 pm. Located at 115 South Queen Street, the Market is just across from Main Street’s Santa House, and half a block from the festivities on the town square.

Organized by a coalition of three arts organizations (the Berkeley Arts Council, ArtBerkeley and the Heritage Craft Center of the Eastern Panhandle), this is the second year when a wide selection of local work will be available on Queen Street in downtown Martinsburg.

Friday’s reception offers an opportunity to talk with the artists and artisans about their work, while enjoying light refreshments. At 5:00 pm, local musician and songwriter Justin Lowans will entertain to add to the party atmosphere.

While the Art and Craft Market will be open through December 23, the best selection from the unique items available will come on Opening weekend.  Hours for the Market are Wed. and Thurs. from 12 noon to 6 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. from 12 to 8 p.m. and Sun. from 12 to 4 p.m.

To learn more about the artists and artisans, visit www.berkeleyartswv.org.

Save the dates for the for the 2012 Show Us You Can Dance competition!

The auditions will be held Saturday, March 31 at Musselman High School and the finals will be Saturday, April 28 also at Musselman.

The audition applications will be available on the Berkeley Arts Council web site on Feb. 1st, 2012 and the deadline for applications, will be Mar. 15, or until the category fills.

The Holiday Art and Craft Market (opens November 25) will feature a great lineup of artists and artisans. We will be profiling them to give you a taste of the great creative gifts you will find there.

Patricia Phillips

Retiring after 38 years of teaching English, Patricia has decided to take up painting as an outlet for her creativity. Although she has never had any formal training in painting, Patricia is primarily self-taught and with every chance that arises, she has been able to find an outlet for her artistic flair. In the past, she designed and painted sets for college and community theater productions. Recently she has been inspired by her acrylic instructor, Terri Nicholson of Winchester, who has helped develop her passion for painting and has instilled confidence in her painting technique. This spring she showed two paintings in her first juried show at Bluemont Vineyards. This fall two more paintings were juried into Art at the Mill in Millwood, VA, During August and September her art work was exhibited at the South Jefferson Public Library in Summit Point, WV.

The Holiday Art and Craft Market will open November 25 at 115 South Queen Street in Martinsburg. For details visit http://www.berkeleyartswv.org/Holidays.php.

Local residents and visitors to Martinsburg will have a convenient shopping venue again this year as area artists and artisans offer their creations at the Holiday Art and Craft Market. This year’s opportunity opens Friday November 25 at 115 South Queen Street, conveniently across from city parking and in the midst of the downtown holiday activities. The Market will be open through December 23.

A Grand Opening reception is planned for Nov. 25 from 3 to 7 pm., offering a first look at creative gift-giving ideas. The sparkle of jewelry and glass will reflect holiday-themed decorations. Original designs will feature eye-catching color and texture, intriguing images in pastels and paints, and a variety of pottery, baskets and other fine crafts. Photography, wearables, gift ideas for youngsters, and greeting cards round out the offerings from more than 20 local talents. Participating artists will be featured on the BAC website in the coming weeks.

In addition to pleasing family and friends, or treating yourself to a long-lasting treasure, purchases at the market also support local arts organizations including the Berkeley Arts Council, ArtBerkeley, and the Heritage Craft Center of the Eastern Panhandle, all 501(c)(3) organizations working to enrich the community through the arts.

The Market hours will be Wed. and Thurs from 12 – 6 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. from 12 – 7 and Sun. from 12 -4. For more information visit www.berkeleyartswv.org/Holidays.php.