Thanksgiving is barely two weeks away and a handful of local organizations are already taking advantage of the looming holidays with seasonal shopping events set up to raise much-needed funds while giving Bay area folks a chance to enjoy a little stress- and crowd-free spending.
In downtown New Port Richey, Progress Energy Art Gallery hosts its first annual 50 Below Sale, which features a selection of Chanukah and Christmas items, stocking stuffers, hand woven scarves and purses, jewelry, prints, cards and many other fine art pieces created by local artists and priced at $50 or less. Complimentary gift wrapping is available every Saturday. Noon-8 p.m. Wed.-Sat. through Dec. 23 (closed Thanksgiving), 6231 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey, 727-848-6500, www.nprgallery.com.
At the Junior League Of Tampa Holiday Gift Market, more than 100 specialty merchants from across the country present high-end clothing, jewelry, handbags, artwork, children's items and other unique goods, with complimentary gift wrapping by Junior League volunteers. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Nov. 10-12, $5 adults (children 12 and under enter for free), Entertainment Hall-Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa, 813-622-7275. www.jltampa.org.
The 19th Annual Deck The Halls sale at Artspace includes a variety of artist-made holiday decorations, with each item priced at $5 regardless of size or detail. The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast benefits. 5:30-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Nov. 10-11, 10 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, www.artspaceartists.com.
Pasco Arts Council opens its annual Holiday House & Gift Market of seasonal decor, artistic gifts and stocking stuffers for all ages. In celebration of this weekend's Nov. 11 opening, shoppers enjoy cups of cider, holiday treats and music as well as an 11 a.m. ornament painting demonstration by local artist Leonard Lewis. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat., Nov. 11-Dec. 22 (closed by noon Nov. 22-25 for the Thanksgiving holiday), 5744 Moog Road, Holiday, 727-845-7322, www.pascoart.org.
And GFWC Clearwater Junior Woman's Club presents its 30th annual Christmas Under the Oaks, a festival showcasing the talents of 150 artists and crafters. Shoppers also enjoy food, live music and activities for the kids, with show proceeds going to the scholarships, grants and projects that club provides for the community. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11-12, $2 adults children under 12 enter for free), Coachman Park 301 Drew St., Clearwater, www.clearwaterjuniors.org.
This article appears in Nov 8-14, 2006.