Published: November 19, 2008 02:32 am      

CITY OF LOCKPORT: 'Tis the season for Holiday Gift Show at Kenan

Add “shop at the mansion” to your holiday to-do list.

The 28th annual Holiday Gift Show at Kenan House and grounds will be held Friday through Sunday.

Inside the wonderfully decorated 150-year-old house and outbuildings, 48 artisans will be on hand with an array of unique, handmade goods suitable for you or yours.

Craft items are functional works of art in a multitude of mediums: Wood, silver, stone, glass, fabric, lace, paper, even herbs and sugar.

Alongside the definitely not-made-in-China Christmas tree ornaments, wall hangings, table toppers and Santa figures, browsers may find something that suits every person on their gift list: home and garden decor, furniture, clothing, jewelry, purses, toys, bath products, gourmet foods and homemade sweets, some sturdy enough to tuck away in the freezer ‘til the holiday gatherings start.

Members of the Kenan Arts Council who select the artisans, decorate the grounds and orchestrate this one-of-a-kind shopping experience regard the Holiday Gift Show as the official kickoff of the holiday season.

“There is excitement in the air as happy shoppers enjoy the wonderful crafts and festive atmosphere,” council President/show co-chairman Manning McCandlish said. “This has become the very best way to begin the holiday season.”

“Seeing everybody in a good mood while they spend their money is always fun,” hostess Charlotte Witte adds.

Most of the artisans in this year’s show are repeat visitors, according to co-chair Joyce Lane. Some are returning after being away a few years, including sculpture artists Alison Kurek of Kenmore (two- and three-dimensional clay-and-paint works) and Albert Gilewicz of Amherst (stone and mixed media pieces).

Artisans making their Gift Show debut this year are:

• Pamela Baran of North Tonawanda, who makes purses and bags for every occasion — beaded, painted and embellished bags for everyday or evening use, gym bags, diaper bags and totes for younger girls. Many bags are priced in the $20 range.

• Regula Seufert of Lawtons, who works with glass. Bowls, plates, trivets, coasters, plant and holders, clocks, desk sets, lamps and mirrors are her creations; prices start at $15.

• Tammy Ulrich of Williamsville, who creates jewelry from silver and semi-precious stones.

Gift Show standbys include the Kenan Herb Club, whose members make and sell herbal creations; the Gourmet Booth featuring Arts Council members’ homemade cookies, candy and other goodies; and Greenhouse Cafe, on-site dining presented by Shamus Restaurant staff and served by high-school age wait staff earning school credit for civic involvement.

Also returning this year is the Mitten Tree, a live tree on the Kenan grounds decorated with childrens’ mittens, scarves and hats given by Arts Council members. The “decorations” will be turned over to John E. Pound Elementary School after the show, for distribution to children who need them.

Two raffles will be ongoing, one for a quilt created by the Kenan Quilters Guild and another involving four gift “baskets.” Each contains a special item — a Lockport Town & Country Club golf package for four, a sweater given by Jayne & Co., a Kathleen Giles watercolor or a Christmas wreath by Wilhelm & Ashe Floristry & Gifts — plus miscellaneous goods and a generous supply of gift certificates from area restaurants, theaters, hotels and spas.

According to Lane, the contents of each actually are too much to fit in a basket, and bidders will see only a sampling when they enter the drawing.

“You’ll be in for some nice surprises when you get a basket home and open it up,” she said.

The Holiday Gift Show is the Arts Council’s biggest annual fundraiser. Dozens of businesses contribute to the raffle and/or show organization, while a small army of volunteers plan, promote and execute the three-day affair. Proceeds help finance arts grants to area teachers, scholarship awards for college students majoring in the arts/arts education, art enrichment activities and restoration of the original Kenan greenhouse.