Enjoy local artwork, and find a few gifts, at Holiday Artisan Market

Finding a unique gift can be a challenge. Finding one that was handmade by a local artist is even tougher, particularly with Christmas just a week away.

If you’re still in need of a gift, but want to give something distinctive, consider shopping at the Trenholm Artists Guild’s Holiday Artisan Market, which will be open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 557 Meeting St. in West Columbia, next to the Brookland United Methodist Church.

There, you’ll find paintings and mixed media works by artists including Renea Eshleman, Jean Berry, Mark Conrardy, George Stone, Glenda Keyes, Barbara Yongue, Noelle Brault, June Tucarella and David Phillips, to name a few. There will also be jewelry, ceramics, cards and other items, including historical books by USC Professor Emerita Patricia G. McNeely and lamps made by George Stankis.

Stankis made his first lamp more than 50 years ago from conventional materials; today, he crafts his functional art from anything from fire extinguishers to bowling pins, cigar boxes and coffee percolators. He’ll make custom pieces, too, but probably not in time for Christmas.

Established in 1971, TAG is the Columbia area’s oldest artist’s guild. Members are professional and amateur artists who work in a variety of mediums. The organization offers classes, workshops, competitions and opportunities for members to display their work.

For more information about TAG and the Holiday Artisan Market, visit www.trenholmartstsguild.org

Katie McElveen, Special to The State