Whether we are ready or not, the holiday season is quickly approaching. The weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. But the one thing that only seems to increase with the impending holidays is our “to do” list. Shopping, baking, wrapping and hosting, the list goes on and on. But what if there was a one-stop shop where you could knock out everyone on your gift buying list, while making a difference in the lives of others? Seems too good to be true, doesn’t it?
On November 9, 2019 from 9:00am-3:00pm, the Apex UMC Family of Faith Communities will be hosting the second annual Art & Gift Market on their main campus located at 100 S. Hughes Street. The purpose of the market is not only to help you check off all the names on your nice list, but to shop with a purpose. The Art & Gift Market will raise awareness and funds for both local and international missions, and unlike many other art and craft markets, the vendors at this event are either the creators of the products they are selling or have a direct relationship with the producers of the items being sold. That means no multi-level marketing vendors or cookie-cutter items.
According to Brenda Steen, a member of the planning committee, this event will feature thoughtfully selected artists and vendors invited to sell their handcrafted gifts, one-of-a kind pieces of art and fair-trade crafts and products. In addition to the vendors, a silent auction will be held, and fair-trade coffee will be available for those early bird shoppers. Lunch will also be available from 11:00am-1:00pm for those that get a later start. All proceeds will support missions.
Although the market stops at 3:00pm, the fun will continue. This year there will be a concert with a performance by the Proud Waves starting at 7:00pm. This local band will perform selections from their Honest Songs collection. “The band’s leader, Joe Sanchez, often comes across songs that he feels are important and would resonate with those around him. He has designed this evening as a night of listening to familiar voices that have something good, true, and honest to say to us,” Ms. Steen said.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle to shop with a purpose, marvel at the talents of local artists and help others along the way. For more information contact Pam Cloer at pam_cloer@bellsouth.net.
