Pratt Fine Arts Center offers one-of-a-kind gifts

Though your brother claimed to love the pipe-cleaner key ring you made for him last Christmas, you couldn't help but notice a less crafty contraption dangling from his ignition. Perhaps this year it would be best to entrust your artsy gift-giving inclinations to real artists.

Pratt Fine Arts Center will allow you to do just that. Beginning with an opening night gala Dec. 7, the art school and studio will host its annual holiday art sale through Dec. 16 at its building in the Central District. Food, drinks and all the trimmings will be on hand for the opening night celebration, which costs $20 at the door and buys partygoers first dibs on truly distinctive gifts. Each subsequent day, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the sale is free to the public.

Proceeds from the hundreds of items for purchase -- hand-blown glass works, original jewelry, metal sculptures and more, many of which were created in Pratt's studios -- will benefit both the individual artist and Pratt.

This year, the glass artist and poet Jeff Crandall offers his Poet's Bottles. Each bottle presents an etched theme, such as Apologies, Mystery, Evil or Hope, underscored by a topical poem. Two Tone Studios' beautiful and functional glass bowls, vases and decanters will also be for sale, and they make lovely gifts for the entertainers on your list.

Jewelry is always a popular gift, and it's much more special when the piece is one-of-a-kind. Sarah Gascoigne's hand-forged gold, silver and semiprecious bijoux are informed by natural elements and religious iconography. Frances Smersh's modern jewelry designs will also be available during the sale. Smersh uses colored concrete and cork with 22-karat gold vermeil and silver, often accented with freshwater pearls, to create bold, geometric pieces. Her collection even includes men's cuff links.

Prices for the art at Pratt's sale range from $20 to $300, so you don't have to be a Medici to support your local artist or art studio. And while you're at Pratt, check out the array of classes offered for beginners through artisans. Next Christmas, you might be prepared to weld something shiny and new for your brother.

Pratt Fine Arts Center is at 1902 S. Main St.; 206-328-2200. Visit the organization online at www.pratt.org.

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