The holidays are full of traditions and a longstanding tradition in Hope is the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council Holiday Boutique.
The Boutique will be held Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1-5 p.m. at the Pruden Arts Center at 320 N. Washington St., and is open to the public.
The Boutique features holiday gifts and notions just in time for the Christmas season. Many items offered in the sale were created by the youth in the WIA program who worked with the SWAAC this summer, youth involved in the 21st Century Community Learning Center after-school program, and the Leaves of Hope gourd art project, as well as paintings on glass, and other SWAAC-originated items.
Work from many local artists are also featured, including paintings, photography, hand-carved spoons and bowls, hand-made soaps, Comfy Cushions, and Marilyn with Traveling With Style will have racks of clothing and accessory items available, according to SWAAC Executive Director Repha Buckman.
A portion of all proceeds benefit the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council, which sponsors the Artists-in-Education programs, after-school programs, Summer Art programs for public schools, and promotes local artisans.
Silent auction items have been donated by local merchants and Arts Council supporters, and range in value from 50 cents and up. This silent auction is a fundraiser for in-school Arts-in-Education.
--GRACE LEONHART, Hope Star
