This year millions of people will be taking to the big chain stores or shopping online for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This Saturday, I will be in my studio participating in Small Business Saturday a fantastic initiative encouraging people to support their local small businesses when it comes to holiday gift shopping.

As an artist who is trying to establish herself and build a following of supporters, this Saturday is an important day. Unique handmade gifts may not be as exciting as the latest gadget but they’re something you cannot get just anywhere. Even when I make several versions of a type of item, each one is different and one a kind and I put my heart and soul into everything I create.

So if you’re in town, stop by and say Hi, and while you’re at it, check out the other local artists around. This year, give the gift of art, and support your local artist.