Local art venues will bring the spirit of Christmas to Schuylkill County this weekend with a variety of art and cultural activities and creative shopping experiences for the winter holidays.
Events include Christkindlmarkt at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, open houses and shopping at Mud & Maker, Pottsville, the Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven, and The Arts Barn, Schuylkill Haven; and an Old Fashioned Christmas on Main Street, Schuylkill Haven.
While it may seem that all the events were planned for the same weekend, that was not the case.
"We ended up with an awful lot of different things going on that weekend and they were all art-related," Fredrick Hubler, one of the Christkindlmarkt organizers, said. "We realized we had all these wonderful things and decided to market them as a weekend arts tour. We thought it would be nice to bring all these art organizations together."
All of the events are within 10 to 15 minutes of each other and showcase all of the talent in the county, Hubler said.
In addition to supporting local artists, the weekend events will also help other businesses in the community.
"Everyone knows how the economy is and a really great way to help your town is to shop local. It's important that we not only support local businesses but bring new people into the county. I want to see people come and do their holiday shopping here."
The fourth annual German Christmas Market, or Christkindlmarkt, is presented by the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts and Schuylkill County's VISION's Block of Art at an elaborately decorated Yuengling Mansion, 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Unique Christmas gifts from local artists will be available for purchase as well as hot chocolate. It will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Downtown Schuylkill Haven will have an Old Fashioned Christmas on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Greater Schuylkill Haven Business Association and local businesses have partnered for the day-long event featuring ice sculpting demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, crafters and a Christmas story hour. The theme is a Victorian Christmas as it will focus on how the Victorian era contributed to present-day Christmas traditions. Hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies will be available.
Lori Michael, a business owner in downtown Schuylkill Haven, said this is the second year for the Old Fashioned Christmas and the borough has "gone really big" this year.
"The old theme is to let people know what Christmas is really about, family and faith. It should be a really fun day," Michael said.
Michael said all businesses have specials and a new restaurant will be opening as well on Saturday at the Shoppes at the Meck Knitting Mill. There will also be a boilo contest for bragging rights throughout the rest of the year, she said.
"The town is going to be packed," Michael said. "There will be tons of things to do. Come get your Christmas shopping done. It will just be a fun day for everybody."
Michael said that while it was a coincidence all the holiday events fell on the same weekend this year, all the organizations are working together really well and look forward to collaborating again in the future.
"It's good because it gives people a lot of choices this weekend. With all of us working together, people can come to Schuylkill County on Friday and stay busy until Sunday."
This will be the first holiday event for Mud & Maker, 6 S. Centre St., as the gallery and art retail store just opened in the spring.
The store features all local artists and crafters as well as a full-service ceramics studio that teaches students of all ages and abilities. This weekend, gifts and seasonal decorations will be available from more than 50 local artists. Customers will also receive a free gift with any purchase. Hot chocolate, wine and refreshments will also be provided by Oak Hill Inn.
Mud & Maker will be opened from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The Walk In Art Center, third floor at 110 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven, will host an open house from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Located at the former Walkin Shoe Company, the newly retrofitted art space has 15 art studios for local artists. There will also be a free art project for children. Finger food and mulled wine is available for sampling.
The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, Schuylkill Haven, started with one gallery and six artists during its first holiday season a few years ago. Today, The Arts Barn has two galleries and 60 artisans from all over the state. The store will feature all kinds of art and crafts for Christmas gifts. Customers will receive a free gift this weekend with a purchase. Wine, cheese, coffee and dessert will also be available. The Arts Barn will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
INFO BOX
· Christkindlmarkt at the Yuengling Mansion, 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville
10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
· Mud & Maker, 6 S. Centre St., Pottsville
5 to 9 p.m. Friday
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
· Old Fashioned Christmas on Main Street, downtown Schuylkill Haven
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
· Walk In Art Center, 110 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven
1 to 6 p.m. Saturday
· The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, Schuylkill Haven
Noon to 8 p.m. Friday
Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday