Inside Art with Michael Rose - A 50-Year Tradition of Holiday Art Sales in South County

Inside Art with Michael Rose - A 50-Year Tradition of Holiday Art Sales in South County

For generations, South County Art Association (SCAA) has made its home in a pair of charming historic buildings just outside the entrance to the University of Rhode Island’s main campus in Kingston. SCAA has long been a center for local art in the south of the state and its on-site pottery studio has made it one of the strongest purveyors of ceramics in the area. Through December 19, the association is hosting the 50th Annual installment of its popular Holiday Pottery and Art Sale, which offers visitors a wide selection of original art made by artists living and working nearby.

 

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The sale, which features nearly 100 local artists, transforms the galleries of the SCAA into a bustling gift shop filled with pieces of original art and handmade pottery. A landmark in South County, SCAA offers work by art-makers from throughout the area. Of the sale, SCAA’s Executive Director Kathleen Carland says, enthusiastically, “Our 50th Anniversary Pottery and Art Sale proves once again that original art is always in style, tax-free, supports artists, and doesn’t depend on the supply chain!”

 

Spread throughout SCAA’s galleries, the event features rows of varied ceramics surmounted by modestly sized paintings and prints. Woodwork, jewelry, cards, and other artful odds and ends are also on offer in the sale. With accessible price points and plenty to choose from, the sale is an ideal opportunity for new collectors to explore a remarkable range of work all in one stop.

 

 

When asked why she feels that SCAA’s Holiday Pottery and Art Sale has stood the test of time, Carland partially attributes its longevity to both the sheer amount of art on offer as well as to excitement in the community. She says, “The artists’ enthusiasm to create is matched only by the desire of the community to give original art and this is what keeps this sale a destination for so many.”

 

The sale, which has a five-decade-long history of bringing artworks to market during the holiday season, is firmly ensconced as a staple art event in the state. Over the years it has changed and grown into a significant bazaar of art and craft. Speaking of the sale, potter Nancy Lyon, one of the original artists that began the tradition in the 1970s, says, “There are more artists now, the sale goes for three weeks instead of three days, but there is one thing that is the same, there is usually a line of people waiting to get in.”

 

The storied history of this sale is just one of the details that makes it such a signature event for Rhode Islanders. The plethora of artworks on view is another key element of its enduring appeal.

 

Speaking of what sets SCAA’s Holiday Pottery and Art Sale apart from the many other art shows occurring at this time of year, Carland says, “The variety under one roof, the number of artists and the exceptional quality of the art itself. The community can be confident they will find beautifully made one-of-a-kind items to be given as gifts or (the best-kept secret of the sale), as a present for themselves!”

 

 

Whether purchasing gifts or adding to one’s own collection, direct patronage of local creatives is a hugely important element within any artistic ecosystem. In a small place like Rhode Island, supporting the artists represented by SCAA has ripple effects throughout the community. Shopping for the holidays at an historic and treasured venue like SCAA is a fun and easy way of supporting some of the state’s artists.

When asked what she hopes visitors will take away from the sale, Carland underscores the local nature of the show. She says she hopes viewers find, “A feeling of connection to their community, satisfaction that they made the effort to find personal, unique gifts that will bring joy, and that they supported the work of local artists.”

Through the hard work of many staff, volunteers, artists, and collectors, SCAA’s Holiday Sale has become a well-patronized mainstay that has sent hundreds of artworks into area homes. At the fifty-year mark, this prized local tradition shows no signs of slowing down, and this year’s installment offers plenty of art to be excited about.

 

The South County Art Association’s 50th Anniversary Holiday Pottery and Art Sale is ongoing from November 26 - December 19, 2021. SCAA is open to the public Wednesdays - Sundays from 10 am - 6 pm each day. On December 9 from 6-8 pm, SCAA will host a special “Meet the Artists” program. To learn more and plan your visit, go to www.southcountyart.org.