League of NH Craftsmen’s Fine Craft Galleries Have One-of-a-Kind Gifts​

CONCORD, NH — Make the League of NH Craftsmen’s fine craft galleries your destination for holiday shopping. Each gallery features a variety of creative and functional gifts that will inspire and delight. There’s something for everyone on your list: jewelry, pottery, glass, useful and decorative home items, ornaments, handbags, clothing, prints, toys, sculpture and more in every price range, according to a press statement. Those looking for corporate gifts will find one-of-a-kind items that are perfect for special clients.

The League’s eight galleries are located statewide in Concord, Hanover, Hooksett, Littleton, Meredith, Nashua, North Conway, and Center Sandwich (open December 3-4). Helpful and personal service is a hallmark in each gallery, making holiday shopping less stressful. The quality of the fine craft sold in the galleries is exceptional. All craft is made by skilled artisans, juried members of the League of NH Craftsmen who have met the League’s standards for excellence and creativity.

League’s Annual Ornament and Calendar – No Wrapping Required

The limited edition League Ornament and the League’s first-ever wall calendar are holiday gifts for last-minute shoppers. Both are available in the League’s fine craft galleries, the League’s online store (nhcrafts.org), and the League headquarters on 49 South Main Street in Concord, NH.

The 2016 ornament is Pitter Patter, a whimsical Rhodium-plated metal elf boot with etched and silkscreened details. Metal artisan Sussy-Rose Shields created this ornament to represent the elfin people that make and deliver gifts, create mischief, and bring joy. Each ornament is numbered as one of a limited edition and is signed by Shields. The ornament comes beautifully gift-boxed – no wrapping required – and sells for $25.

The League’s wall calendar has a clean, contemporary layout that features images of work by 13 of its talented and creative juried craftspeople. The cost is $15 and all proceeds from calendar sales are used to support the League’s operations.

Holiday Shopping Itinerary at Fine Craft Gallery Locations

Special holiday activities are happening at each of the League’s fine craft gallery locations, adding to the festive environment and making shopping enjoyable.

• The League Gallery in Center Sandwich (Sandwich Home Industries), on 32 Main Street, typically open from May to October will re-open on Saturday, December 3 from 9 am to 3 pmand Sunday, December 4 from 10 am to 2 pm, as part of the 40th Annual Christmas in the Village town-wide holiday celebration. On Saturday, December 4, the Sandwich Historical Society is presenting a holiday display, the Grange Hall is hosting a Farmer’s Market from 9 am to 2 pm, kids can have breakfast with Santa at the Corner House Restaurant from 8:30 am to 10 am, and everyone can enjoy a chowder lunch at the Community Church of Sandwich from 11am to 2pm. Stop in first at the League Gallery to for a guide to all the activities or visit the Christmas-in-the-Village-Sandwich-NH Facebook page.

• Located in the heart of downtown Concord on 36 North Main Street, the League Gallery in Concord is celebrating the holiday season with sparkle and fun! The Gallery is participating in Concord’s Midnight Merriment on Friday, December 2 from 5:30 pm to midnight, providing special promotions and refreshments. Downtown Concord's restaurants provide a variety of tasty cuisine to suit any budget.

The League’s headquarters on 49 South Main Street in Concord is also participating in the city’s Midnight Merriment on December 2, with a free ornament-making workshop from 5:30 -9 pm with leather artist Claire Renaud. Visitors can enjoy the Grodin Permanent Collection Museum, which contains craft items from the 1930s to the present, as well as the End of the Rainbow fine craft exhibition, on display until December 16.

• During the holiday season the League Gallery in Hanover, located on 13 Lebanon Street, is hosting several demonstrations and hands-on craft activities. On Saturday, December 3, people are invited to come to the gallery and other locations throughout downtown Hanover to sample delicious soups (visit the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce website for details). On Saturday, December 10 from 11 am to 2 pm, jewelry artist Lucy Golden will demonstrate how she makes her colorful and whimsical jewelry.

• The League Gallery in Hooksett, located in the I-93 Northbound Welcome Center, is a great holiday shopping spot for those traveling to New Hampshire. The Gallery has a selection of fine craft, and is a valuable information resource about the League of NH Craftsmen, its events and activities, and the other seven affiliated craft galleries located throughout the state. As part of the state Welcome Center, visitors can also receive information about a variety of statewide attractions and activities.

• The League Gallery in Littleton, located on 81 Main Street, is part of Littleton’s vibrant downtown community of specialty shops, restaurants, the world’s longest candy counter, a century-old opera house, and more. Through December 18, the Littleton Gallery is part of the area’s Best Friends Forever Getaway promotion of the area’s shopping, art, outdoor adventure, dining and lodging opportunities. Visitors can learn more at the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce website. The Littleton Studio School, associated with the Gallery, is having a student craft fair Saturday, December 3 from 10 am to 2 pm on 21 Mill Street across from Schillings Beer Co.

• From hostess gifts to serving dishes for the holiday table, the League Gallery in Meredith, located on 279 Daniel Webster Highway (Route 3) has gifts for all occasions. The town of Meredith is a festive place to spend the day or a weekend, with great restaurants, shopping, and fun activities. During the holidays, visitors can tour the Meredith Sculpture Walk with over 30 sculptures by artists from all over the northeast.

• The League Gallery in Nashua is located on 98 Main Street in the middle of city’s beautiful, historic downtown. Along with selling fine craft, the gallery offers classes, which are listed on the gallery’s website and free parking is available. Beginning December 1, the gallery will be open seven days a week until Christmas.

• Downtown North Conway is aglow with holiday decorations and lights. The League Gallery in North Conway, located on 2526 White Mountain Highway (Rte. 16/302), is a popular holiday shopping destination.

League of NH Craftsmen locations

League Headquarters – Home to the Grodin Permanent Collection Museum and Special Exhibitions Gallery

Concord, 49 S. Main St, 603-224-3375 Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; Saturdays (through December 10): 10 am – 4 pm Concord, 36 North Main St., 603-228-8171 Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30 am– 5:30 pm; Saturday: 9 am– 5 pm; Sunday: 11am - 5pm; Friday, December 2, open until Midnight

Hanover, 13 Lebanon St., 603-643-5050 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am - 5:30 pm and Sundays, 11 am-3:30 pm

Hooksett, Hooksett Welcome Center I-93 (Northbound), 530 West River Road Hours: Sunday-Friday 11 am – 6 pm; Saturday 8 am – 6 pm

Littleton, 81 Main Street, 603-444-1099 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 10 am – 5pm

Meredith, 279 Daniel Webster Hwy., Rte. 3, 603-279-7920 Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday, 12 – 5pm

Nashua, 98 Main St., 603-595-8233 Hours: In December, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 am - 5pm; Thursdays, 10 am - 8 pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am - 6 pm; Sundays, 11 am - 4pm

North Conway, 2526 White Mountain Hwy., Rte. 16/302, 603-356-2441 Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am - 5 pm; Closed Tuesdays; Saturdays, 9:30 am - 6 pm; Sundays, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Center Sandwich (open May - October), 32 Main St., 603-284-6831 Hours: Saturday, December 3, 9 am – 3 pm; Sunday, December 4, 10 am - 2 pm

For more information about the League of NH Craftsmen or the Fine Craft Galleries, call 603-224-3375, email nhleague@nhcrafts.org, or visit the League's website at www.nhcrafts.org.

Submitted by Carol Fusaro.