Here are a few locally found gift ideas that will please any artist this holiday season.
1. Sunography Fabric
We want some of this ourselves! It's like the paper you use to make sun prints -- only fabric. Put objects on it, expose it to bright sunlight, and rinse to reveal a deep blue print for $16. MADE art boutique is at 922 North 5th Street in Phoenix. For more info, call 602-256-6233.
2. Artists I Met and Liked journal
We love this tongue in cheek (right?) place to list your faves for $12. Bunky Boutique is at 1437 N. 1st Street in Phoenix.
3. Xonex Just Art Set
Got a budding little artist on your hands? Outfit her with 18 colored
pencils, 12 oil pastels, 8 watercolor cakes, eraser, sharpener and
paintbrush, all in a handy carrying box for $20. Garage - a Body Shop for Kids is at 7107 E. Stetson Drive in Scottsdale. For more info, call (480) 556-6900.
4. Basic Art Supplies
We asked local artist and art teacher Sue Chenoweth for advice about
where to buy the basics -- and what to buy. She recommends going to
Jerry's for the following: good sketchbook; 22-by-30-inch newsprint pad; 22-by-30-inch
white paper pad; charcoal; charcoal pencils - white and black; set of
graphite pencils; India ink with pen and tips (buy pen and nib in a set -
small and large tips); small Prismacolor colored pencil set; one small
set of soft pastels; watercolor set (tubes); basic water color (round
soft short handle) brushes 00- to 1/2- inch (mop brush); art gum erasers
(3); small hand-held pencil sharpener; xacto knife.
The items' costs vary, and Jerry's Artarama is at 4421 S. Rural Road in Tempe. For more info, call (480) 775-6787.
5. Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People by Amy Sedaris
What artist doesn't like making fun of crafty types? And even if you
do craft, you'll love Amy Sedaris' over-the-top-and-down-the-hill spoof
(or is it?) of the craft world for $27.99. Changing Hands Bookstore is at 6428 S. McClintock Drive in Tempe. For more info, call (480) 730-0205.
And finally, one gift you do not want to buy for an artist: Art.
One local artist painfully recounted a Christmas past in which his mother in law presented him with a piece of art. His advice? Don't buy art for your artist friends unless you really know what you're doing.
