November 22, 2019

Wide variety of items will be available at SIU’s upcoming Holiday Craft Sale

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The 41st annual Holiday Craft Sale at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is gift-giving made easy – whether you’re buying for all those special people on your shopping list or for yourself.

Three-day event

The popular event returns to the Student Center Art Gallery, located on the first floor, Dec. 5-7. About 80 vendors will offer specialized and often one-of-a-kind arts and crafts and other assorted wares for sale. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Everyone is welcome and there’s no cost to attend. The Student Center’s Craft Shop sponsors the sale.

Diverse selection

You’ll find an eclectic blend of items, including ceramics, fibers, jewelry, paintings, woodworking, printmaking, plants, leatherwork, clothing, glassware, and homemade soaps. Holiday decorations, crocheted and knitted items, candles, pottery, woven items and assorted other handiworks crafted by regional artisans can be purchased as well. There will be taste treats such as locally produced honey and homemade salsa, too.

The Craft Shop will showcase some of its new merchandise, including limited edition ceramic plates and screen-printed Saluki gear, and will offer a gift-wrapping station to help you prepare for the holidays.

A number of student organizations are participating in the craft sale as well, raising funds for needed equipment, projects and special activities. For instance, Photogenesis, a registered student organization for those interested in photography, will be selling prints to help purchase an equipment cage.

Southern Clayworks, an organization of art and design students, will offer pottery and ceramics pieces. The Horticulture Association will be selling holiday wreaths and garlands while the Graduate Association of Painters and Printmakers will offer mini-prints for purchase.

The Southern Illinois Metalsmiths Society, comprised of students in the university’s metals program will be marketing all sorts of metal work, from jewelry to sculpture and more. 

To get more details

For additional information about the Holiday Craft Sale, call 618/453-3636 or visit the Craft Shop website