Watch CBS News

Best Minnesota Artists To Buy From This Holiday Season

Handmade gifts often create the best memories during holiday season. Not particularly arts and craftsy? Support the local art scene and pick up some unique gifts that are handmade and one of a kind. Read of for a list of the best local artists featuring items that would make a perfect holiday gift.

3/26 Arts & Culture - Spring Art Festivals - Edina Art Fair
(credit: edinaartfair.com)

Various Local Artists
Edina Art Center
4701 W. 64th St.
Edina, MN 55435
(952) 903-5780
www.edinamn.govThis local art center (run by the city of Edina) is one of the treasures of the community art scene in the Twin Cities. Offering drawing, painting and pottery, as well other art-related workshops throughout the year for jewelry making, tiles, knitting, etc, the Edina Art Center has plenty to offer. During the six weeks prior to Christmas, it also runs its annual holiday gift sale in the gallery located on the premises. Find a variety of works from painting to pots to jewelry and more, featuring work by the talented instructors, local artists and students at the center. Items on display change throughout the show, so feel free to stop in multiple times. The show runs from Nov. 8 through Dec. 24.

Warren MacKenzie, Potter 
Northern Clay Center
2424 Franklin Ave. E.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 339-8007
www.northernclaycenter.org

Northern Clay Center is the exclusive year-round location to find pottery from celebrated Minnesotan potter Warren MacKenzie. Throwing for nearly 60 years, MacKenzie is one of the best known names in functional pottery, and resides in Stillwater, Minn. Choosing to show and sell his work only through Northern Clay and select shows throughout the year, a MacKenzie piece is a one-of-a-kind present indeed. Availability is dependent on pieces supplied by the artist and subject to specific terms of sale, including restrictions around resale. Be sure to read the terms here.

Related: Best Places For Discount Winter Fashion

ModernMeetsWhimsy
(credit: Modern Meets Whimsy)

Courtney Nielsen, Jewelry Maker
Modern Meets Whimsy
www.etsy.com/modernmeetswhimsyLocal artist Courtney Nielsen creates unique and beautiful sterling silver jewelry. Primarily available through Etsy, her work is cute, affordable and great for giving. Nielsen also appears in shows, including last spring's highly successful Local Jewelry Artist Mart at the Walker. Pieces run anywhere from $15 to $100, with many rings coming in right around $30. Plenty of options exist for a cute new necklace for your favorite friend or a fun, eye-catching ring for a sister or cousin.

Various Local Artists
The AZ Gallery

Northern Warehouse Building
308 Prince St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 224-3757
www.theazgallery.org

The AZ Gallery in Lowertown St. Paul is 10-member, strong artist coop that regularly features members' art, as well as regularly scheduled shows, exhibitions and guest artists. The annual Holiday Gift Show running from Nov. 23 through Dec. 30 is an expanded offering of gift items from both members and local artists. Visitors will find jewelry, pottery, glass, holiday ornaments, home and beauty products, textile items and more. Most items will be priced between $10 and $75, making this show an affordable and eclectic stop - perfect for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list.

Stained-Glass Windows At Kwanzaa Community Church
(credit: CBS)

Susie Meier, Stained Glass 
Red Pine Design
www.etsy.com/shop/RedPineDesignsRochester-based Susie Meier makes gorgeous stained-glass items and jewelry from repurposed glass and china. Eco-chic and special, her pieces offer a way to preserve an important memento or display your individual style. In addition to selling her wares at one of Rochester's weekly markets in the summer months, you can also find her online at Etsy. Meier's work consistently displays creativity and innovation, like this Copper Poppies Stained Glass Suncatcher, sure to brighten someone's yard this holiday season. She also welcomes custom commissions.

Related: Best Home Décor Stores In The Twin Cities

Sassy professional by day, men's style expert by night, Bethany Rein is a twenty-something living in Minneapolis. She loves baseball, coffee and the well-dressed male. An avid runner, Bethany also plays recreational sports with more enthusiasm than skill. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.