A very Foothills Christmas | Yadkin Ripple

Pottery items on display at a past Foothills Art Market.

ELKIN — There are only 45 shopping days until Christmas, but those looking for gifts might want to plan a stop at the art market to be hosted next month by the Foothills Arts Center. This year’s Foothills Craft Market will be held at the Elkin Farmers Market (101 E. Market St. Elkin) on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Foothills Arts Council has a longstanding tradition of selling artwork by local artisans through its annual holiday event which has changed styles over the years from an outdoor market with food trucks and live music to moving back to indoor venues in the last few years.

The annual market has become a favorite regional tradition for holiday shopping and despite the pandemic, Foothills Arts Center Director Dan Butner said they are hopeful the event can bring the holiday cheer.

“This has been a tough year for everyone, artists certainly included. By shopping at our handcrafted market, you’ll find perfect gifts for all your loved ones, and you’ll also help ensure a Merry Christmas for our local artists and their families,” said Butner.

Last year’s Art Market was the first to be held at the new FAC Chatham Campus, a location that brought back many memories for area locals. The Foothills Arts Center is continuing to raise funds for its new location.

“We’ll have a selection of items available for purchase with 100% of the proceeds going toward the preservation/development of our FAC Chatham Campus,” said Butner.

The holiday market will feature pottery, textiles, jewelry, bath and body, original artwork and prints, handcrafted holiday ornaments, and more by local artists John Furches, Krystal Stamps (The Wisdom Table), Leslie Fesperman (Yadkin Valley Fiber Center), and many others.

Shoppers should follow current safety guidelines by wearing masks and maintaining proper distancing while shopping.

For more information about the holiday market and other Light Up Elkin activities, visit lightupelkin.com.

Kitsey Burns Harrison may be reached at 336-258-4035 or on Twitter and Instagram @RippleReporterK.