Gift-Giving Grief? Art & Artisan Auction Answers

Chanukah starts in three weeks on December 20. Christmas is only 5 days after that. And what about those December birthdays?

If you're facing a list long on names but short on ideas, you do have a chance to scoop up great - UNIQUE - gifts for everyone on your shopping list, quickly and easily, at the Rhode Island PBS Art & Artisan Auction.

But the gift shopping clock is ticking - literally.

Today is your last day to visit the Rhode Island PBS Art and Artisan Auction. Bidding ends tonight.
Zip over to www.ripbs.org or click this link.

Local Artists: It's the Heart of the Story

This year's Art & Artisan Auction has hundreds of beautiful works. Admittedly, that's not news - for more than two decades, WSBE Rhode Island PBS has been fortunate and sincerely grateful for the generous outpouring of support and donations from prominent and emerging artists from all over the country.

What makes this year's Art & Artisan Auction special is the surge of local artists sharing their works - and the types of works they are sharing. Many pieces are functional as well as beautiful. The collection this year includes many things you can actually use! It's not just art for your walls. The collection gives "Art" a rightfully broader definition. Just browse the collection for yourself!

As you do browse, remember that the holidays are around the corner. So many of these fine pieces make distinctive gifts. Plus, your winning bid supports WSBE Rhode Island PBS programming. Win-win-win.

Here are three short spots that highlight some of the works of local artisans: Arts in RI, the Foundry Artists Association, and Rhode Island Etsy artists. Enjoy! There is much more on the auction site.

This piece is called Smashing Against Rocks. No, artist Deb Hall of Zur Designs didn't get angry! She just wanted to see what patterns would emerge if she hammered the copper against rocks. The results are stunning.

Deb finished the bracelet with softened square edges for a sleek and modern look. The cuff measures 6 1/4 inches and is meant to accommodate a size 7. It's beautifully wrapped, so it's ready for gift-giving. Feel the sensation of Smashing Against Rocks!

Invitation to Artists and Artisans

WSBE Rhode Island PBS invites artists and artisans to participate in the 2011 Art & Artisan Auction. It's a great way to share your work, while supporting public television, too. The Web site explains the benefits to you (and to us) of your generosity, and this link makes donating your work so easy.

Questions? Give our Auction Director Jeff Hartley a call at 222-3636 extension 327.