Gallery U Boutique in Westfield Hosts Unique Shopping Weekend December 6-7 ?By Highlighting the Work of Local Artists & Artisans

Gallery U Boutique in Westfield, NJ, is hosting a unique weekend shopping event on December 6-7, 2014, that will highlight the work of local artists and artisans. Since their opening in September 2013, Gallery U Boutique has quickly positioned itself as an arts resource for the Westfield and surrounding communities by holding monthly art exhibits that focus on the talents of local artists, as well as showcasing original merchandise created by local artisans.

Over one dozen local artists and artisans will offer their collections to the community on Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Sunday, December 7, 2014, from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Many of the artists who have exhibited work in Gallery U Boutique’s monthly exhibitions and artisans who consign their items in the boutique will be present with an expanded collection of their works providing even more unique choices for holiday gift giving.

Participating artisans include Westfield milliner Marion Schwartz of Joy Design who will make a large selection of her distinctive handmade headwear available, glass artists Donna Slevin and Ellen Oliveri of Westfield who will have a large array of glass housewares, ornaments and other items available, North Plainfield jewelry artist Yvette Stewart, Purse and Pouch’s Megan Whitney of Fanwood who will showcase her collection of handbags, purses, diaper bags and pouches, and other artisans.

Participating artists will make originals and prints of their work available including Virginia Carroll of Plainfield, Westfield photographer Richard Earl, watercolor artist Linnea W. Rhodes of Westfield, pastel artist Barbara Uhr of Westfield, cut paper artist David Nicolato of Verona, and other artists. Artists and artisans will meet and greet the public on December 6, 2014, from 1:00-3:00 PM and on December 7, 2014, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. With such an array of original and unique art and merchandise available in one location at one time, visitors are sure to find something for everyone on their holiday gift list. The gift of art is a gift of the heart!

About GALLERY U: Gallery U is owned by Universal Institute, a rehabilitation center for adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Gallery U acts as an extension of UI’s vocational training program which helps bring TBI clients back into the workforce and community through their daily operational work at Gallery U. They hold monthly group art exhibitions and work closely with the community on various events throughout the year. Gallery U is located at 439 South Ave West, Westfield, NJ.