Urban Discoveries Baltimore

So not today and not tomorrow, but the day after that, the day after Thanksgiving — Black Friday, if you will — is pretty much accepted as the biggest shopping day in America. We’re not sure why; the one year we ventured out into the storm, we scurried back as quickly as we could, sheltering ourselves as beady-eyed bargain hunters descended upon a department store, exhibiting a level of rampant consumption that could breed a thousand Karl Marxes. Having learned that lesson, we now steer clear of malls, and instead head to local shops, fairs and art markets, seeking not only to avoid a crush of crowds, but also to find unique, personal gifts for the ones we love. Check out these three upcoming art markets for your chance to buy something special for that special someone. (Gah! Did we just say that? Are we really that cheesy?)

First on the list is “Bazaart,” the annual holiday marketplace held by the American Visionary Art Museum (800 Key Highway). Featuring work by 50 regional artists and craftspeople, there’s plenty to behold at Baltimore’s strangest (and quite possibly best) museum. Held on the museum’s 3rd floor, Bazaart opens this Friday, November 27, with a preview party and sale from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20, but you get to nibble light fare, enjoy a special beverage, and stroll among Bazaartisans and their wares. If, however, you’d prefer to join the masses, Saturday is the official Bazaart day with painting, sculpture, papercrafts, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, mixed media all open, and all on display. There’s no charge for Saturday, and, as the website kindly notes, “Bazaart shoppers are welcome to tour the entire Jim Rouse Visionary Center for Free! Ongoing exhibitions include the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre automata, Baltimore Screen Painters, Emily Duffy’s Bra Ball and more.” Good times abound.

On December 5th, the Charm City Craft Mafia is hosting their Third Annual Holiday Heap — a DIY art and craft show — from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Saint John’s Church in Charles Village (2640 St. Paul Street). Over 40 local craft-ians will be there, selling their handmade wares to you, the holiday shopper. Supporting local artists (what this entire post is secretly about) is a really good thing; it keeps your money in the community and helps create a vibrant cultural scene. Plus drinks and snacks are going to be available from Red Emma’s.

Last on our list — but only because it’s chronological — is the MICA Art Market. Running from December 9th to the 12th, it offers holiday shoppers (and art collectors, we suppose) a chance to buy work from emerging artists as well as collectibles from leading artists in their respective fields. More than 250 vendors will be present, and as might be expected for such a large event, they accept Visa, MasterCard, check and cash. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Leidy Atrium and Falvey Hall lobby of Brown Center in Bolton Hill (1301 W. Mount Royal Avenue).

And if you’re still looking for inspiration, check out the City Paper’s Holiday Guide for a huge list of off the beaten tracks recommendations.

Where are your favorite Baltimore spots to shop for the holidays?

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