Changing the Way you Give Gifts with Fine Art

The list of gift-giving occasions seems to grow every year. Not only are there birthdays and Christmas to shop for, but with an endless list of Valentines Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Secretary’s Day and so on, the ability to give great original gifts gets ever more challenging. For your next special occasion, find your inspiration in original art and fine craft. Here are just a few ideas:

Fine Craft
Fine craftsmanship is high quality, head turning and sure to make for an unforgettable gift. Woodworking, pottery and handcrafted furniture are examples available in many styles. Sandra Wiese of Washington offers original, hand-painted furniture guaranteed to stand apart in any room. Her children’s chairs and tables are perfect for grandchildren or for a new baby and are certain to become a family heirloom. Handcrafted quilts are very popular today and can be draped over a sofa or hung on the wall to add a feeling of nostalgia to any room.

Sculpture
Sculpture makes for an amazing gift because there is such variety of subject and size available to fit any taste. Sculpture can be in the form of collectibles, furniture or garden art. It is often reasonably priced and surprisingly easy to care for. Visit the botanical-inspired work of Alacia Stubbs, New York, which is both representational and emotional and is something to be cherished. Her work is perfect as a house-warming present for the gardener in your life.

Wall Art
Give the gift of tranquility with a plein air painting by Elizabeth Bame of Georgia who "is constantly in search of those rare moments of quiet contentment, for herself, and for anyone who stops to contemplate a scene she’s created." A fine painting print with its deep, emotional colors by Tim Holmes of Montana would appeal to those who prefer a little drama in their home. Fine art drawings such as the expressive ink drawings of Oliverio Balcells, Arizona, offer modern flare to any home or office with its Mexican influence. Fine wall art is a great way to celebrate a promotion or a career milestone.

Ready to Make a Purchase?
If you find the perfect piece but find that it pushes the limits of your gift budget, consider making it a ‘from-the-group’ gift. Approach siblings or cousins to give your grandparents an anniversary gift that really honors their commitment or gather donations from co-workers to say thank you on the birthday of an extraordinary secretary. Add a homemade and personalized card for the perfect finishing touch.

You’ll be happy to find that original art & fine crafts come in almost every shape and form to fit the style and likes of anyone you know. If you think you might find your inspiration in a local gallery visit http://www.galleryguide.com for a listing or to see the work of any of the artists mentioned here, visit Artists’ Heaven at http://www.artistsheaven.com. Look for the next article in this series for more ideas including original jewelry and fine photography as well as where to pick up these great finds.

Artists' Heaven
An art and fine craft emarketplace.