Free Opening Reception for Holiday Expo at Guilford ARt Center

Description

The community is invited to a free opening reception at Guilford Art Center to celebrate the start of the holiday shopping season. Enjoy holiday cheer, giveaways and the first peek at all of the new work for sale!.

The Guilford Art Center’s annual Holiday Expo returns November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026, offering an extraordinary selection of handcrafted gifts from hundreds of independent artists and makers.
 
For the season, the GAC Shop doubles in size, filling both the shop and the gallery space with one-of-a-kind treasures: jewelry, home goods, clothing, accessories, ornaments, specialty foods, and more. Each piece is handmade with care, making the gift as unique as the person receiving it.
 
New this year, the Holiday Expo will also feature a special section of work by members of the Lyme Artisans Guild, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase their beautiful, locally made creations alongside other Holiday Expo artists. The Guild’s mission closely aligns with GAC’s, making for an exciting seasonal partnership.
 
“The Holiday Expo is a celebration of creativity and community,” says Maureen Belden, Executive Director of Guilford Art Center. “When you shop here, you’re not just finding a beautiful, handmade gift—you’re supporting local artists, investing in their livelihoods, and helping to sustain the arts in our region. Every purchase makes a difference.”
 
Lyme Artisans Guild President Carol Stanland adds, “Handcrafts are very much about community and making connections with people in a community, making any acquisition more meaningful than it would otherwise be. We at LAG very much enjoy sharing our process as well as our products. Knowledge about process gives our products depth.”
 
New items arrive throughout the season, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Personal shoppers are available to help with selections, and businesses can arrange custom gift packages for employees.
 
Events:

• November 14: Opening Reception, 5–7pm
• November 15: Egyptian Coil Chaining Demo (for wire jewelry) with Michelle Pearson
• November 22: Gel Printing on Paper Demo with Barbara Eaglesham
• December 13: Color and Pattern Matching in Fabric Design Demo with Carol Stanland