Yuletide’s changes easy to see

Yuletide, Spokane Art School’s perennial holiday arts and crafts fundraiser, returns for its 27th year this weekend with a new look.

Instead of the traditional artists’ booths scattered throughout the three floors of the art school, there will be an intimate boutique feel to this year’s Yuletide.

“People won’t have to tromp up and down the stairs anymore,” says art school Executive Director Karl H. Hollander. “Everything will be on the first floor in an expanded gallery space.”

Another big difference is that the artists and crafters who create the items will not be present during the run of the event.

“We wanted to make it easier for the artists by not requiring them to be here in their booths all weekend selling their work,” says Hollander.

After the initial kickoff weekend, Yuletide will remain up through Dec. 23.

A Preview Party happens Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $15, available at the door.

The evening includes music by Brain Crain, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, as well as first pick of all the arts and crafts on hand.

There is a silent auction during the evening for a series of Miniature Holiday Trees and Christmas Stockings decorated by local artists, businesses and organizations.

Miniature Holiday Trees were created by Area 58 Gallery, Shirlee Bonafield, Nan Drye, Jason Kanauft, Lisa Moss, Lance Satterfield, Karlene Schoedel, Bradd Skubinna, Kathy Watson, Charlie Watson, Spokane Federal Credit Union and Spokane County Juvenile Court Services.

Christmas stockings were assembled by The Artist’s Tree, Boo Radley’s, Cabin Coffee, Chocolate Myricals, Finders Keepers, Gonzaga University, Hartwell’s Wicker and Rattan, Judy’s Enchanted Garden, REI, Spokane Art Supply, Spokane Federal Credit Union and WISE (Washington Initiative for Supported Employment).

Yuletide hours the rest of this weekend are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking is available in the lot across from the art school on Cataldo Avenue. Admission is free.

Beginning Monday, December school hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As in previous years, 70 cents out of every dollar spent on the individually handmade items goes back to the artist and 30 cents goes to support the art school’s community programs.

The art school, 920 N. Howard St., is across from the Spokane Arena. Call (509) 328-0900 or see www.spokaneartschool.org.

Holiday art sales

A number of holiday shows and artists’ open studios this weekend and next help intensify the Christmas spirit.

“ For the fourth year, the William Grant Gallery in North Spokane is getting ready for its Christmas Open House beginning Saturday.

There will be items by the gallery’s artists including painters Thelma Giampietri and Debbie Hughbank.

Meet the artists during a reception Saturday between noon and 5 p.m. at the gallery, 820 W. Francis Ave.

View the work through Dec. 24. Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“ The first weekend of December, Spokane glassblower Steve Adams and painter L.R. Montgomery host their annual holiday open artists’ studios.

Adams is celebrating 35 years in glass by creating several new handblown glass vessels and table-top mixed media sculptures.

Stop by on Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 3, noon to 4 p.m. at 1102 S. Spruce St., (509) 838-2279 (www.adamsglassworks.com).

Watercolorist Montgomery is showcasing Northwest landscapes including the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Priest Lake, Little Spokane River and Big Rock.

Open studio hours are Dec. 1, 5 to 10 p.m.; Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Dec. 3, noon to 5 p.m. at 428 E. 21st Ave., (509) 624-0261 (www.LRMontgomery.com).

“ “Mud and Spirit” returns for its third year to the Old Church Art and Cultural Center at Fourth Avenue and William Street in Post Falls.

As many as 25 Inland Northwest potters will have their work in the Clay Arts Guild of North Idaho’s annual Christmas Pottery Sale on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (http://cagni.org/).

Washington potters participating this year are Lezlie Finet, Denise Jamieson and Tammy Pruitt of Spokane.

Idaho potters in the show are Lizette Fife, Carolyn Guy and Jeanne Wood of Moscow; Lori Hintz and Tim Mosgrove of Hayden; Janice Maiani and A. Higbee of Athol; Lupe Payne and Roger Tinkey of Coeur d’Alene; Merrilyn Reeves of Plummer; Diane Simons of Sandpoint; Brad Sondahl of Spirit Lake; and Laura Umthun and Amy Lou Vancho of Post Falls.

Garland district holidays

Tinman Gallery, 811 W. Garland Ave., is holding its second handmade ornament show this weekend.

The show features blown glass ornaments by Steve Adams, Bill Hagy and Josh Turner; mixed media baubles by Jo Fyfe; buckskin ornaments by George Flett; quirky found object creations by Pat Boyd; and Pysanky eggs by Chrisinda Bowlin.

The neighboring Ruby Slipper, 809 W. Garland Ave., is showing Sondra Barrington’s red Christmas ornaments and stained glass creations.

Both the Tinman Gallery and Ruby Slipper will be open Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Call (509) 325-1500 for more information.