Ho, ho, ho my goodness!!  The Berkeley Arts Council’s St. Nick’s Market is open for business Wednesday November 24 through Friday December 24, 2021.  The gallery at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 N. Queen Street, Martinsburg, is transformed into a festive holiday market displaying the work of more than 30 local and regional artists and artisans as well as our year ‘round co-op artists.  No supply chain issues here – there’s a variety of items for great selection and fun shopping.  There is a mix of fine art and craft items for the home, including basketry, ceramics, glass, wood, photography, painting and mixed media; cards, and clocks; even local honey!  There’s art to wear, including woven fibers, warm face masks, jewelry and more – all wonderful and thoughtfully made!

The Berkeley Arts Council has been holding a holiday market since 2010.  Originally called the “Holiday Art & Craft Market”, it was held at 116 N. Queen Street before the space became the Arts Council’s official headquarters.  Now in its 12th year, St. Nick’s Market has become a regular holiday shopping destination for the community.  In keeping with the Berkeley Arts Council’s mission to “Amplify the Arts”, one goal of St. Nick’s Market is to acquaint the community with artists from around the region.  Throughout the year, the St. Nick’s planning committee keeps their eye out for potential artists.  Selection criteria includes, skill in the artist’s medium, uniqueness of the work, and appeal to area gift givers.  By creating an environment with more artists’ work, shoppers get to experience the wide range of creativity and talent that resides in the Eastern Panhandle.

Not sure what to buy?  The Berkeley Arts Council also has gift cards, which can be used to purchase work in the gallery, or any of our classes.  Visit St. Nick’s Market at the Berkeley Art Works this year!  Holiday hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 11:00am to 5:00pm; Fridays 11:00am to 8:00pm; Saturdays 11:00am to 4:00pm and Sundays 12pm – 3pm.

GivingTuesday was started in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good.  Since then, it has become a day that inspires people to be generous by giving to organizations that are making a difference in our communities.  The Berkeley Arts Council works to ensure a vibrant, vital arts environment in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  As a recipient of our monthly bulletin, you have followed us and seen us work for 12 years to support frequency, quality and variety of arts-related events, facilitate and promote activities that extend arts throughout the community, and build communication and interaction among arts organizations.

Last year was the first time we participated in GivingTuesday and we received a generous response.  This year we are again asking for support.  Over the past two years, but especially this year, income from class tuition, co-op and exhibit sales, and membership are down, leaving us unable to grow our programming as we had planned.

Let’s face it, most of us don’t like asking for help, but in order to expand our programs, especially in these challenging times, we do need additional support.  Making a monetary donation is easy.  Visit our Web site and scroll down to locate the Donate button on the right side of our main page.  On your mobile device, select About the Berkeley Arts Council from the menu at the top of the screen and scroll down.  Click or tap the button and follow the steps.

Thank you for taking the time to read this appeal and thank you for supporting the Berkeley Arts Council and the arts in Berkeley County and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

All the best,

Anna Howard, President

Berkeley Arts Council

Grassroots generosity and community action are powerful forces for good!  You can support the Berkeley Arts Council any time by buying Berkeley Arts Council gift cards, purchasing classes and memberships as gifts, giving donations.  Use AmazonSmile and name us as your charity.  Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and like/share and participate in our activities.