Carmel to deck the District December 12, 2009

Carmel to deck the District for annual Holiday Gallery Walk

CARMEL, Ind. - On Dec. 12, the Carmel Arts & Design District will once again celebrate the beauty and artistry of the yuletide season with its annual Holiday Gallery Walk. Beginning at 11 a.m., guests to the District can enjoy a full day of seasonal activities for the whole family.
During the Arts & Design District Business Association of Carmel's "Second Saturday" event, visitors will be treated to special performances by local choirs, strolling carolers, holiday entertainment, local artists and a visit from Santa. Santa Claus will arrive in style on an antique fire truck and will greet children in his house in the National City Bank parking lot from 11:30 a.m-2:30 p.m. then again from 3:30-7 p.m.
Then, from 5-10 p.m., the galleries and merchants of the District will welcome holiday shoppers with themed open houses, entertainment and refreshments, as well as special holiday promotions, sales and one-of-a-kind gift ideas. Art & Soul Gallery will feature a special exhibit of post-Soviet Union artwork showcasing artists from Russia, Czech Republic and Georgia. Soori Gallery will spotlight its vast collection of paintings, bronze and acrylic sculptured works, Boehm porcelain, lalique crystal sculpture and Nao and Lladró porcelain sculptures by leading American and international artists. As a special holiday treat, patrons will also receive a 5 percent discount on purchases during the Gallery Walk and throughout December.
Magdalena Gallery of Art plans a holiday group show featuring works from gallery artists including Magdalena Hoyos-Segovia, Mary Johnston, Elon Brasil, Guillermo Ceniceros, Michael Daly, James Willie Faust, Esther Gonzales, Monica Rodriguez Henderson, Carlos Meijide, Lisa Pelo-McNiece, John Reynolds, Charles Emery Ross, Thomas Hieronymus Towhey, Rita Spalding and Manuel Velazques. Select artists will feature smaller, affordable versions of their designs for holiday gift giving, including works on paper.
At Blue Egg Gallery's holiday open house, visitors can view unique works of holiday art by local artists, including a Christmas card collection by artist Erika Woods and artist Valentina Shvyrkova's special Russian Winter collection. Blue Egg Gallery artists will also create custom greeting cards earlier that day from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. during the Second Saturdays festivities.
Exhibits from local artists can also be viewed in the Tickle Your Fancy holiday store and exhibit space at 111 W. Main St., Suite 130, and at the adjacent display space in Suite 115.
While enjoying the Holiday Gallery Walk, guests can also peruse handmade gingerbread houses of the District's first-ever "The Art of Gingerbread" event. Distinctive houses will be displayed in District shops, restaurants and galleries from Dec. 3-23. Visitors are invited to pick up a map from Simply Sweet Shoppe (30 N. Range Line Road) and embark on a scavenger hunt by answering questions related to the handmade houses. Completed maps should be submitted to the Arts & Design District Office (111 W. Main St., Suite 140) in order to enter into a drawing for a gift basket filled with goodies from local merchants. All participants will receive a gift bag of treats from District merchants, with a bonus prize awarded to those participants completing the full questionnaire. The Arts & Design District Office is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Throughout the month of December, the top 75 "Holiday in the Arts District" student art contest entries will also be exhibited in Arts & Design District businesses. In addition, a Gallery Walk holiday open house 7-8 p.m. at The Great Frame Up will provide a full showing of submitted pieces and a chance to celebrate the work of the young artists.
To complement the special events planned for the Holiday Gallery Walk, many of the District's individual merchants will also host seasonal festivities:
Cupboard Space
9 W. Main St.
Enjoy a retro Christmas holiday open house at Cupboard Space, a store of antiques, whimsies and whatnots. Call 317.815.9135 for more information.
First Avenue Cookie Co.
79 1st Ave. S.W.
Throughout the month of December, peek in the windows of 111 W. Main St., Suite 145, for First Avenue Cookie Co.'s delightfully delicious gingerbread creations on display.
Serendipity by Occasions Divine
2 W. Main St.
12 Days of Christmas - Holiday Tea in the Scottish Tradition
Enjoy Serendipity's regular teas and a special Scottish recipe with a different theme each day -
$18 per adult and $8 per child. Visit www.occasionsdivine.com for more information.
l'Evento
21 S. Range Line Road, Suite 100
Snowflake Soiree Holiday Open House
Join l'Evento for a "Snowflake Soiree" Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sweets and warm treats will be served.
Museum of Miniature Houses
111 E. Main St.
Candlelight Evening Tour
Join the Museum for its annual Candlelight Tour on Dec. 12 until 8 p.m. Enjoy the beauty of miniature houses and other displays lit by candlelight. Refreshments will be served. Special admission is $3 per individual (adult or child).
Dec. 12
National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts
130 N. Range Line Road
Holiday Open House
From 5-8 p.m., a Victorian Christmas theme and costumed guides make this holiday open house truly unique.
For a more information about Carmel Arts & Design District merchants and holiday events, visit www.carmelartsanddesign.com or call 317.571.ARTS.