Downtown Art Center to Kick Off Holidays With Open House

The will showcase all that it has to offer at its first ever holiday open house on Thursday, Dec. 1. first-time holiday open house Thursday, Dec. 1.

The open house, which runs from 6-8 p.m., also serves to kick-off holiday hours at the center and give the public an opportunity to see new items in the gift shop. From Dec. 1-23, seasonal hours will be 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday).

It's been several months since the downtown art center first opened its doors for that purpose inside the on Foster Street. The Heritage Industries building is now used by the Northeast Arc for work programs for its clients.

According to event organizer and center director Merritt Kirkpatrick, this event will be the last opportunity to see the leather-made gas mask exhibit, which breaks down Dec. 2 -- the day after the open house. Charles Jones, of Boston, created Kyoto, the elephant (pictured).

"The gas mask for an elephant in the show is very, very interesting and is getting a lot of attention," she said. "The story behind the piece is quite a tale, and I think that many would find it to be intriguing."

Judy Bouffaud, assistant division director of family support and 27-year Northeast Arc employee, added that "Sense of Place," which features artwork by Kevin Kusioluk, will be installed immediately after "Leather or Knot?" breaks down.

Bouffaud noted other art exhibits displayed earlier this year were: "Welcome Home," featuring artwork by veterans from May 26 to July 28, and followed by "Healthy Peabody," featuring .

Besides the last chance to view the exhibit, several local artists will have new items for sale available in the gift shop, which is to the left when walking into the building.

"We're a wonderful, new non-profit organization in downtown Peabody." Kirkpatrick said. "We want to get the word out to people who might not know about us. We have a great gift shop. I think people who check it out will be pleasantly surprised."

At the Dec. 1 event there will be pastels by Carol Dearborn, of Salem, and Jennifer Holmgren, of Gloucester; candles by Witch City Wicks, of Salem; decorative wall tiles by Ruth Mowder, of Peabody, who is president of the Peabody Art Association; cards by Elise Towle Snow, of Salem, and Shine Jewelry -- made by youthful artists with autism, which is beaded for women, featuring bracelets and earrings, and there is also a unisex line, featuring necklaces.

"We're inclusive, meaning we're open to anyone on the North Shore." Kirkpatrick said. "Our art is made by people with and without developmental disabilities."

Prices will range from $20 for earrings, to $4 for a card, to $200 for pastels.

If successful, the event will be held annually, says Kirkpatrick. She and Boffaud have been planning the open house for months. The last open house they held was in March, when the art center opened.

"Customers can purchase gifts for the holidays. It's a nice time to meet local artists and learn about art classes coming up in February. Peabody has been welcoming to us. It's a great collaboration," said Bouffaud.

Admission is free and there will be complimentary homemade cake and cookies. Apple cider from will be served in the back room. Surprise raffle gift baskets will be for sale.

Currently, the gift shop hours are Monday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; and Friday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and by appointment. The gallery is available for viewing 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

For the main event next Thursday, stop by the main lobby at 22 Foster St. For information, email mkirkpatrick@ne-arc.org or call at 978-531-7146.