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player ready...Looking for unique handmade gifts this holiday? Consider McCord Gallery & Cultural Center’s Holiday Shoppe.
McCord executive director Lynne Terr said the 14th annual event will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except Sundays, beginning Nov. 24.
“People go to lunch across the street…and then come over here,” Terr said.
Although as many as 500 people will shop throughout the month-long event, Terr said, the relaxed atmosphere allows for looking, touching and talking to the artisans before purchasing. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere than most shopping experiences, she said.
The event will feature the work of 30 artisans of “fine crafts and arts,” in the gallery section of the building which was the original McCord home, Terr said.
The artisans’ work will include fused glass items, such as serving plates and picture frames; blown glass items, including ornaments, wine glasses and paper weights; and doll-like Christmas ornaments and handmade jewelry.
Artisan items will be on sale in the McCord gift shop and the shopping will spill into the newly built Anderson Annex where the work of McCord’s teachers will be both on display and for sale.
The art teachers’ contributions will be original artwork, including pastels, oils and watercolors, Terr said.
“It’s time for people to see what our art teachers can do so they can sign up for classes,” she said.
It’s a treat just to visit the house—well into its second century—all dressed up for the holidays.
“One big elf” volunteer and a few helpers decorate the indoors, which features festive Christmas trees and garland, Terr said.
“The house on the inside, the old part, is really quite charming because we put garland down the stairway and it has a really cozy feel to it,” Terr said.
The outside of the house and grounds get a holiday makeover, too. Terr said Nancy McCord Bronson, the great granddaughter of John McCord, who was the owner of the house when it was a family homestead, decorates the exterior with the help of her husband.
In the tradition of old-fashioned hospitality which dictates that guests must be offered refreshments, the Holiday Shoppe will have complimentary cider and cookies every day and admission is always free.
Terr said the Holiday Shoppe offers the community an opportunity to see what the artisans and artists among us have to offer.
“One thing we like to emphasize is that (shoppers) are supporting local artists. They’re not shopping online,” Terr said. “(Artists) don’t have many venues to do this. A lot of them work out of their homes, and the competition with the internet is really tough.”
Ginger Brashinger is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
McCord Gallery & Cultural Center 14th annual Holiday Shoppe
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Nov. 24 to Dec. 22
Where: McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park
Etc.: Admission is free
Information: 708-671-0648 or [email protected]
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