Sweetwater Kicks Off Annual Holiday mART with Preview Party

Before she became part of the annual Holiday mART show, Anne Eden first began as a volunteer at . The Sewickley artist's involvement soon led to showcasing her own artwork and Saturday marked the seventh year she’s participated.  

“I do a lot of tapestry and beadwork, weaving and jewelry,” Eden said, adding with a laugh, “and I can juggle and ride a unicycle, but not at the same time.”

Eden’s works are among those of 91 artists showcased this year in the 17th annual holiday sale.

The traditional sale commenced with “,”  a preview party Saturday night that saw the community room, gallery and lobby transformed into a festive shopping environment. The annual Holiday mART, one of Sweetwater’s largest fund-raising events, gives local, regional and national artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work.

“Part of our mission is to support local and regional artists,” said Michelle Peters, executive director of Sweetwater.

Proceeds from the fundraiser also benefit Sweetwater’s numerous art programs for children and adults, Peters said. The planning and execution of the event each year are carried out by a large number of volunteers who reside in and surrounding communities.

And for shoppers, the sale -- featuring a wide selection of jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, glass, fiber arts, children’s gifts and other wares -- conveniently takes place during the holiday shopping season and provides shoppers with the opportunity to buy a gift that’s handcrafted and unique.

“Every time you go around, you see something new,” Eden said.

“That’s for sure!,” a shopper agreed.

A crowd of shoppers arrived for the sale Saturday, making purchases, participating in a raffle, and sipping champagne as they browsed items to the classy sounds from a pianist's holiday tunes.  

Peters said she was “very pleased” with the turnout at Saturday’s preview party.

“We have more people in attendance at this year’s preview party than in previous years,” she said.

This year, the nine-day event includes 31 new artists, including Danna Rzecznik, who was named a Three Rivers Arts Festival's "Emerging Artist" over the summer.

 “We have a lot of people who normally come to Sweetwater, but a lot of new faces as well,” Peters said.

Eden, who has worked as an illustrator and has showcased her work in other galleries, said there is something festive and nostalgic about putting her creations in the Holiday mART each year.

“It’s always exciting,” Eden said. “When you’re unpacking things and setting it out, it feels like Christmas.”

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 runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, contact Sweetwater at 412-741-1178, or click here. 

Holiday Happy Hour

Stop by the Holiday mART at Sweetwater from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, to Thursday, Dec. 1, for a popular Holiday mART Happy Hour. Happy Hour includes complimentary refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres while you shop for handmade gifts. The event is free to attend.

Holiday Luncheon

On Thursday, Dec. 1, Holiday mART volunteers will host a from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help you relax and refuel. The gourmet, three-course lunch will have two seatings, at  11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cost is $15 per person and reservations are recommended. Contact Sweetwater at 412-741-1178

Let the Men Cook! during Sewickley's Light Up Night

 Ladies can shop all they want on Dec. 2 and leave the cooking to the men. Stop by Sweetwater to warm up with a delicious, three-course meal prepared by the all-male volunteer-turned-gourmet chef team. Complimentary beverages provided. Cost: $15/adult, $5/children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door.

Sponsors include Pete Schlicht, financial consultant, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC; Attorney Rich Brandt; Allegheny Plaster Inc.; Dee Jay Oshry, fundraising consultant; The Naked Grape and Sweetwater's board of directors; as well as Holiday mART Supporters: Everyday Esthetics Eyebrow Studio; Citiwide ChemDry; and Liz Murphy Design.