Shop Local and Southern Pines Festivities This Weekend

If you're in the Southern Pines Area, in addition to the fabulous shopping experience that you'll find year-round in our town, this weekend also holds some special surprises. Artist Alley will be open from 10 - 5 on Friday and Saturday, and from 12 - 5 on Sunday this week. On Sunday we'll be serving light refreshments, and the entire town will be kicking off the season with its Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Think strolling carolers, more than 50 decorated trees, Santa, good eats, and much much more! Then at 4:30 we'll be gathering by the historic train station for fabulous entertainment and the official lighting of the this season's Christmas Tree. I hope that you can join us, and wherever you are, please remember to shop local. This season, more than ever, your local businesses will appreciate your support.

Hope and The Sandhills Children's Center Festival of Trees

The Sandhills Childrens Center Festival of Trees began this week at Pinehurst Resort. If you're in the area, this event provides a most festive way to begin the holiday season, and it benefits such a worthy cause!

In addition to the bevy of valuable services that they provide...and perhaps most importantly...The Sandhills Childrens Center provides Hope. Hope to the children that they serve; Hope to their parents; and Hope to our community.

I created and donated 100 Hope Pendants to this event this year. Additionally, throughout the holiday season, half of all proceeds from the sale of this piece will be donated to The Childrens Center. If you're seeking the perfect Christmas Gift, teacher's gift, or stocking stuffer...or if you'd just like to make a donation to a worthy cause...please consider this possibility. They're available locally at Artist Alley or online at http://www.jeanskipper.etsy.com/ .

Art in The Pines...A Celebration of North Carolina Art and Fine Craft

On Friday, November 6th, from 10 – 9, and on Saturday, November 7th, from 10 – 7, Artist Alley will host “Art in The Pines: A Holiday Celebration of North Carolina Art and Fine Craft.

Art in The Pines was founded as a community art show in November 2006. This year we’ve decided to relocate the weekend’s festivities to Artist Alley in Southern Pines so that a greater number of artists and local residents will be able to participate. Art of The Pines is a festive and fun way to begin the holiday season!

Art in The Pines kicks off at 10:00 on Friday morning. There will be artists in attendance, and spontaneous demonstrations and lively discussions are a sure thing. Refreshments will be served, and door prize drawings will be held on Friday and Saturday.

It’s an exciting time for us. On the heels of being awarded The Best Gallery in Moore County in The Pilot’s Best of Moore Awards, our artists have been creating in anticipation of this event. Every inch of the gallery is filled with their unique vision. You’ll find the latest work from artists who are perennial favorites beside new work by artists who’ve joined us since our recent call-for-artists. Our selection has never been better!

Throughout the weekend, guests can expect to meet local artists Mara Fiskin, Christine Jepsen, Lisey Rowe, Kathleen Miller, Nanette Zeller, Amy Smith, Christy Clark, Debbie Keen, Frank Pierce, Patti O'Day, Frank Giordano, Sherie Munie, Roberta Morgan, Molly Menard, and Jean Skipper.

Additional information about Art in The Pines and Artist Alley may be obtained by calling 910-692-6077. Artist Alley is located less than a block from the historic train station in downtown Southern Pines at 167 E. New Hampshire Avenue. Artist Alley features the work of more than 60 North Carolina artists and exhibits a wide variety of affordable art and fine craft.

***Snowman ornament by Kathleen Miller of Pinehurst, NC.