Winter Wonderland. A Festival of Fun For All, Opens November 25 at Gualala Arts

     For all of those not sure when the holiday season begins, or where to find a gift for that special person, or perhaps a delightful local craft item, or a particular work of art can begin their quest at Gualala Arts. The annual “Winter Wonderland” opens Thanksgiving Weekend and continues right through Christmas and New Years.

     The festivities begin on Friday, November 25 with the annual Arts & Crafts Fair, including the Christmas Tree Decorating Competition (and a visit by Santa). Everyone is welcome to get in on the fun—children, adults, merchants and businesses, local groups and more. And those wishing to compete can contact the front desk at Gualala Arts (707-884-1138) to arrange pickup for a “blank” (undecorated) Christmas tree to decorate, and a variety of sizes are available.  Entry forms are available at Gualala Arts and online. Please note: your completed form is due by pickup of blank trees.  First come first serve or you can provide your own.  Your decorated tree is due no later than Tuesday, November 22 (between 11:00am and 4:00pm.

     Instead of a tree, maybe you or your business or organization would like to donate a gift certificate, a gift basket or a rare or valuable item to the Festival of Trees Silent Auction. Gualala Arts will be happy to add you to the list of Festival of Trees Donors on their web-page & signage. Donors are asked to drop off the registration form at Gualala Arts (or email Kendra at info@GualalaArts.org) by November 18th, and bring the silent auction item in on November 21 or 22 between 11:00am 4:00pm in the Jacob Foyer. The Silent Auction closes December 18.

     If you’re at a loss for gift ideas for friends and family (or for yourself), Winter Wonderland has invited local artisans to bring their special arts and crafts to Gualala Arts. You may find exactly what you’re looking for, or find something entirely different and yet just as wonderful. Mrs Claus Bake Shop–local homemade cookies, pies and holiday treats.

     What would Winter Wonderland be without something new to consider? New this year, Gualala Arts is hosting an Ugly Sweater Competition, so grab your favorite ugly sweater and come down to Gualala Arts to have your picture taken between November 25 and Christmas.  Three Ugly Sweater categories are Best Overall Ugly Sweater, Best Group of Ugly Sweaters and Best Pet Ugly Sweater.  Winner gets free family membership to Gualala Arts, a box of See’s Candy & bragging rights.  Winners will be announced before New Years Day.

     Also new this year is the Ornament Competition. Bring in your homemade ornament on November 21-22, any media is welcome, must be made by you, your family and/or friends.  Winner gets free family membership to Gualala Arts, a box of See’s Candy & bragging rights.  Winner will be selected by People’s Choice and announced on Saturday, November 25, ornaments available to be picked up on November 29.

And then there is the Gualala Arts Silver Bell Fundraiser.  A gift from our Chamber Music Committee, each Bell features an angel holding one of six different musical instruments, reminding us of the joy music brings to our lives.

And if you’re still at a loss, visitors will find a wide variety of Gualala Arts-branded gifts.  There are wearables, like caps, hats, tee-shirts and aprons, plus wine glasses, water glasses, champagne flutes, pens and notepads. Back this year is the Gualala Arts hoodie. There is also a large selection of beautiful gift cards and photographs by Scott Chieffo.

     Join the fun at this year's Winter Wonderland.

. . . continues on page 2