As consumers gear up to give the sagging economy a jolt in the form of holiday spending (let’s hope, anyway, or we’re all screwed), there’s never been a better time to buy local. That’s the premise behind Florida Craftsmen Gallery’s annual holiday show, Buy Florida, Give Florida, which features one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts by more than 250 Florida artists. As if that weren’t enough, the organization’s annual CraftArt extravaganza celebrates its 11th anniversary this weekend by taking to the streets outside Florida Craftsmen Gallery’s downtown storefront, where 140 artists from around the country compete for $15,000 in cash awards. Fine crafts from jewelry and pottery to furniture and fiber offer collectors a chance to keep some green in the community — and in the arts — while picking up a future heirloom that no big-box store booty can outclass. CraftArt 2008, Nov. 22-23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun., and Buy Florida, Give Florida: Annual Holiday Show, through Dec. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
