Gibson Gallery hosts reception to launch annual Holiday Artisan Shoppe

The Gibson Gallery opened its doors a day early to allow invited guests to shop at the Holiday Artisan Shoppe.

The Gibson Gallery’s annual “Holiday Artisan Shoppe” is open to the public but kicked off with the first-ever VIP night last week.

The VIP night was last Wednesday night, one day prior to the actual launch of the shoppe. David Cozens, president of the Fort Malden Guild of Arts and Crafts, said they invited volunteers, sponsors and town council members to the event. The guild is the board that operates the Gibson Gallery.

“It’s also a thank you to people who help us throughout the year,” Cozens explained. 

There are a wide variety of vendors at the Gibson Gallery for the Holiday Artisan Shoppe, he noted. 

“We’ve got approximately 60 vendors here, most from Essex County,” said Cozens. 

There are a few from out-of-town, including one from Pickering.

There has been a holiday shop at the gallery for several years, though Cozens’ wife Barb, herself a former president, noted it was in a different format where vendors stayed with their goods. For the last number of years, the format was changed to where items can be dropped off and artists and vendors only have to commit to a day to help out.

“People really seem to like the idea they can just drop it off,” said Barb.

The Holiday Artisan Shoppe runs Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 14 from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. 

The Gibson Gallery is located at 140 Richmond St. in Amherstburg. For more information, call 519-736-2826 or visit www.gibsonartgallery.com. 

Gibson Gallery hosts reception to launch annual Holiday Artisan Shoppe

By Ron Giofu