Paintings line the gallery walls of the Manhattan Arts Center, glass ornaments hang from the windows. Jewelry, postcards and ceramic cups and bowls wait for buyers to pick them out as presents for others or themselves.
It’s all part of the MAC’s Holiday Art Market, formerly called Wrap It Up, which is back for another go-round.
The art sale opened Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 22. This year, it features 46 artists.
“The massive majority of all of these artists are from right here in Manhattan,” said MAC gallery director Justice Catron. “There’s a couple who ship me stuff up from Wichita or come from De Soto, a couple in Wamego or Junction City, but of those 46, more than 35 of them are all from right here in Manhattan. The work is made here.”
One participant, Jim Rigg, is new to the event in 2024. Rigg is not only an artist, but he’s also an art instructor who teaches painting classes at the MAC. An acrylic painting of his, a flower with a gold leaf background, hangs in the gallery.
“He used to work at the university as part of the graphic design team,” Catron said. “He moved to Florida to retire, came back, and so he’s teaching classes for us at the MAC and is part of this as well.”
Artists receive 65% of the sale’s proceeds. The rest goes to the MAC.
“This is one of the major ways the gallery itself stays funded for the whole year so that we can help support independent shows and things like that,” Catron said.
Returning artists include Rodney Hoover with bovine-themed composite photos, photographer Emilia Farr, Dorothy Farrand with jewelry and paper arts, and Rachel Hermes with boldly colored gouache paintings.
“I think it really allows them to have a unique opportunity to put their work in a space that isn’t really available elsewhere in town,” Catron said. “You might get little craft pop-up things and little events, but I think the really unique thing about this is they really get to just bring it and have that opportunity to sell their work in a more retail-like setting without having to commit to something larger.”
The Holiday Art Market is open from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s affordable, and even if you aren’t able to buy anything, you can come down and have a look at everything,” Catron said. “It really is filled with lots of good art from local people. If you do find something that you feel is for you or for your family or friend or whoever, it’s usually going to be affordable.”
On Saturday night, the MAC will host a live performance by the Blue Skies Brass Quintet during a Music and Art Night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cover is $10. People can shop, listen to live music and have a cup of mulled wine.
