Art lovers are notoriously pretentious, which can make gift-giving extra stressful. Stress no more. We've got some ideas that will elicit that Mona Lisa smile from even the snobbiest critic.
See Also: 5 Gifts for the Dance Lover
Canvas Shoes by Joseph "Sentrock" Perez at bucketfeet.com
Joseph "Sentrock" Perez has been living in Chicago for a while now, but we've still got some hometown love for the artist who remains active in the Phoenix art scene. This summer, we found out that Sentrock won Bucketfeet's next artist contest, but we were even more excited last week to hear that the shoes would be available just in time for the holidays. Wearable art? Yes please. The shoes are $68 and available in men's and women's sizes.
Museum membership at Phoenix Art Museum
Think of it this way: Gifting a museum membership is like buying someone thousands of pieces of art that they don't have to find space for in their home. Membership to PAM comes with unlimited free admission and invitations to members-only exhibition previews, among other things. This is a must-have for any art enthusiast in the Valley. General membership is $75 and valid for two adults and any children or grandchildren under the age of 17. Visit www.phxart.org or call 602-257-2124.
Pottery by Annette Weaver at Practical Art
We've been lusting over Annette Weaver's pottery for a while now. The ceramic artist creates a wide assortment of functional pieces with amazing textures and bright colors -- we're fond of the luminarias, personally. You really can't go wrong with something so well-crafted and detailed. Pieces range from $89 to $325.
Julianne Swartz: How Deep is Your catalog at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
It might sound weird to buy someone an exhibition catalog, but you're just gonna have to trust us on this one. The catalog for Julianna Swart's current exhibition at SMoCA is a work of art in itself.
If you want to be an extra awesome gift-giver, reserve spots for you and your gift-givee at Swartz's free artist talk on Tuesday, January 7, to go along with the catalog. Her show is not to be missed. The catalog is available in the SMoCA gift shop for $29.95.
Small work by Laura Spalding Best at MADE Art Boutique
This may sound like a novel concept, but if you know someone who loves art, you might consider buying them... art. MADE Art Boutique showcases smaller works from local artists on its mantel every month, and the smaller size means the pieces are affordable without sacrificing quality. Through Friday, December 13, you can pick up a piece by Laura Spalding Best. Her paintings of cityscapes on metal platters are dreamy. The works range in price from $80 to $200.