Handmade holiday gifts abound at Saturday Jerome Art Walk

The holidays are just around the corner and what better gift is there than original art? First Saturday Jerome Art Walk is the perfect night to start the season’s shopping for the perfect present.

Twenty-one galleries and studios will be welcoming visitors Saturday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. with art, music and refreshments. From blown glass to jewelry, there is a treasure to be found for every budget this year.

From the working studios of the old Jerome High School to the pottery of Made in Jerome, the true handmade Jerome touch is everywhere. Cody DeLong’s paintings, ceramics by Margo Mandette and Rick Hernandez’s jewelry designs are just a few of the creations of Jerome artisans offer.

The Upper Park will be decorated to the hilt and there will be live music at the Mile High Grill and Inn and the Spirit Room. It will be a night to enjoy the cool mountain air and start the holiday season with the gift of art. A free shuttle will transport visitors throughout the town. Visit jeromeartwalk.com for more information.

Zen Mountain Gallery is a great place to find holiday gifts. With more than 40 local artists, the gallery has a variety of affordable ideas. Many new things are in the gallery from fine art and photography to pottery and jewelry. A number of the gallery’s artists are represented exclusively in Northern Arizona by Zen Mountain Gallery, such as Nancy Bihler’s jewelry, Hans Miles’ pottery and Stephen Moody’s photography. Join the gallery during Art Walk for a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres as the holiday celebrations begin.

The Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery kicks off the holiday season with its 21st annual All-Members Holiday Show during Art Walk at the Gallery in the old Hotel Jerome. All co-op members are juried into the gallery in specific categories of art media so a diversity of artwork is displayed all year throughout the gallery. However, during the summer show and the annual holiday show, members may display any type of artwork they wish.

This is fun for the members, as it provides an opportunity to show work that they are already proficient in, but not juried in for; they may be exploring a new technique, or simply want to try something different in a completely new medium. The holiday show provides an opportunity for them to do just that.

When viewing artwork in the members’ show, gallery members themselves often exclaim, “Who did that?” because the work may be so different from what that artist normally creates. When it comes to choosing art for yourself, your home or gifts for the holiday season, the Jerome Co-op is a great place to visit. Visitors will enjoy the exciting, festive options for locally made gift items, home decor items, jewelry, wearables and greeting cards.

Refreshments will be served. The Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery is located at 502 N. Main St.; call 639-4276 for information.

Join Threads On Main during the Art Walk and wrap up in one of Rita Winters’ hand-loomed rayon cocoons for a cozy, classy winter look. Woven in her Guntersville, Ala., studio with sparkling ribbons embedded in each design, these cocoons come in vibrant colors. Come to Threads on Main for champagne and chocolates during the Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. and peruse their selection of gourmet holiday treats, as well.

Pura Vida Gallery continues its annual tradition of hosting a handcrafted holiday gift show during the December Art Walk. Choose handmade gifts from more than 100 American artists. Whether it’s jewelry, fiber art, ceramics, home décor or garden art, the gallery has something for everyone and for everyone’s budget. The gallery will serve champagne and holiday treats from 5 to 8 p.m.

One year ago, Red Bench landed at the Jerome Art Center. In that time, the space has transformed from a photo studio to a photo gallery. The studio is thrilled to be a part of the community and support local art. Its December featured artist is Brian Williams of Phoenix. He is a photographer and videographer who got his start as a portrait photographer in film.

Though he uses digital photography, he still enjoys working with film, especially black and white. He spends his time behind the lens as a portrait, event and fine art photographer. His show, My Little Web Series, will be displayed Saturday, Dec. 2, through Thursday, Dec. 28. Stop by during the First Saturday Art Walk and enjoy live music by Rick Cyge of Sedona, free wine, food and snacks — while supplies last — and meet Williams.

Red Bench also provides a writing space for local author Zushka Biros. Signed copies of her latest book, “The Secret Butterfly Trail,” will be available during the Art Walk. Join Red Bench in celebrating their 1st year.

Jerome’s jewelry artist, Rick Hernandez, has been busy creating jewelry just in time for the holidays using some of his favorite stones such as Arizona fire agate, Four Peaks Arizona amethyst and Australian opal in 14 Karat gold and sterling silver. He also has creations using tanzanite, ruby, pink tourmaline, drusy and azurite from Jerome.

Hernandez’s son Ricky has hand-crafted contemporary sterling silver pieces. Ricky is also working on a 3-D jewelry line. Ricky’s wife, April, creates jewelry using keys and gears with a steampunk flair. She also creates cameos in rings, pendants and earrings.

Jerome’s Jewelry has three artists to the gallery: Kim Maney with her photography creations, Arizona artist Fredda Psaltis’ healing star pendants and Sarah Yount-Moser’s unusual collection of jewelry. Stop by Jerome’s Jewelry for that unique purchase.

With the holidays in full swing, one might need some relief. And at Yester Day’s Fine Art Gallery, there is relief even in material form — an interesting bronze relief, cast in 1983 by Ed Reilly of Bronze Smith Fine Art Foundry in Prescott Valley, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the visit to the Verde Valley of Jerome’s first European visitor, Antonio Espejo. A special antique, as well as work of art, this plaque will be well worth stopping by the gallery to enjoy.

Gallery 527 in Jerome welcomes the holiday season with new work by ceramic artist Ben Roti. His collection of functional work includes brightly colored bowls, mugs, cups and plates. Teal has created intriguing crystal pieces that are sure to please the jewelry lover on your list, and Lorraine Fexas offers fused glass ornaments, coasters and plates in lovely patterns and hues.

For the true art lover, consider a major investment in the work of Susan Pitcairn, plein air; Julie Bernstein-Engelmann, abstract; Sharron Vincent Porter, mixed media; and Ardis Harsche, encaustic. Stop by for good art, good food and wine and lively conversation at this gallery of local artists.

Contact Donna Chesler at 649-2277 or visit jeromeartwalk.com for more information about Jerome Art Walk.