Published: November 06, 2009 11:46 pm      

Shoppers and smiles for First Friday

Christmas on minds of downtown visitors

ASHLAND — Greeted by a window filled with giant Christmas packages on high-heeled shoes, visitors to the First Friday Art Walk at the Pendleton Art Center in Ashland seemed to have holiday shopping on their minds.

“We are hoping people will be shopping for Christmas. We have everything — pottery, paintings, jewelry, fabric scarves ... photography,” said pottery artist BJ Wilder while welcoming guests into her studio space. “We have layaways and gift certificates — even for classes, which makes a wonderful gift.”

“I am really pushing for people to buy things that were made here in Ashland. Things that are unique and made in the U.S.A.,” Wilder added, explaining her desire to have the community’s artisans, restaurants and merchants work alongside the Paramount Arts Center to create a more recognizable Ashland art district.

Artist Angy Hall, who specializes in music-related and wearable art, said she has already enjoyed a couple of holiday sales and photography sessions.

“I’ve had good walk-in traffic,” Hall said. “I can tell they’re looking for specific things at this point.”

As a strategy to appeal to younger buyers and those seeking more affordable art, Hall said she is now offering smaller versions of her more popular prints, as well as stationary size images.

“I want to make a variety of sizes so people can afford something,” she said with a smile.

Mike Robinson visited the CCC Trail tasting Room in search of good things for friends from other areas.

“I’m here to select some Kentucky wines to give as gifts to my friends outside the state to introduce them to Kentucky wines,” Robinson said, sniffing a glass of a white wine and smiling as the aroma hit his nose.

At least three new artists introduced themselves to the First Friday crowd. Jona Younce at Red Shoe Gallery displayed several stained-glass works and mosaics as well as agate art. The Pendleton Arts Center opened about the time Younce moved back to Ashland, she said, commenting, “I thought, ‘That’s where I want to be.”

The stained-glass artist also introduced visitors to New River Studios, featuring the photography work of Cortni Clark. In the adjoining studio, Sally Lynd displayed a collection of highly-detailed and framed cross-stitch artwork.

In keeping with the needs of holiday shoppers, artists will be at the Pendleton Art Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.