Christmas holiday shopping may be a bit crazy with Black Friday (Nov. 25) underway and consumers looking to save money.
But people eyeing something more unique might want to pop into Place des Arts for the Positively Petite Show and sale and the Holiday Artisan Shop.
Located in southwest Coquitlam, just off Lougheed Highway at 1120 Brunette Ave., Places des Arts is home to arts classes, music, performances and art exhibits.
Place des Arts comes alive during the holidays with its annual Positively Petite Show, where artists submit works small in size for inclusion in the exhibit that runs daily to Dec. 15.
Here you'll find tiny woven baskets, intriguing glass objects and gorgeous — but petite — paintings that can fit into any room or gift basket.
And because they are small, and local, these works of art are affordable, giving shoppers a chance to support a Lower Mainland artist without breaking the bank.
Buy more than one from the same artist and you'll make a lovely artistic statement.
"This exhibit changes every year but this year includes artists who are new to us," said Kim Correia, exhibit program manager.
"There is a nice diversity of mediums, techniques and styles."
Notable were decorative ceramic "Memory Balls" by Jean Paull, colourful miniature landscapes by Trish Jamieson and charming ink and acrylic portraits by Tanya Hockley.
You can visit Positively Petite in person until Dec. 15, and you can also tour the exhibit virtually and call in for any purchase you want to make.
Additionally, Place des Arts is hosting its annual artisan market to Dec. 17 where you'll find one-of-a-kind presents for everyone on your gift list.
Explore finely handcrafted housewares, accessories, skincare, décor, cards, ornaments and more made by local artisans.
Lidia Kosznik, artisan shop coordinator, told the Tri-City News the shop features works from 42 artisans and includes glassware, pottery, clothing, jewellery and even toys.
Among the notable pieces are fused glass by Violet Finvers, eco print pillows by Carolyn McLaughlin, merino wool silk scarves by Tanya Kadach and woven shawls by Doris Barkey.
Some of the work is provided by Place des Arts teachers in addition to artists from Coquitlam and the Lower Mainland and all submissions are carefully curated, said Kosznik.
Admission to the Place des Arts gift shop and exhibit is free.
The hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
