In the Tri-state region, people like to make things, whether it be artisan handmade goods such as knitwear and fiber art or wonderful edibles. Normally it’s easy to find these little treasures in time for holiday giving at any number of artisan sales between Thanksgiving and the end of December. 

This is not the case in 2020; but one opportunity for buying one-of-a-kind inexpensive and high-quality artwork is now available in Falls Village, Conn.

The town’s public library is the D. M. Hunt, which has a tradition of showcasing work by amateurs and well-known professionals on the library’s ArtWall.

It has become a tradition that the library hosts a small and very well-attended sale each year, of small works in a range of prices and media. All the pieces are 1 foot square (or 12 by 12 inches, which is why it’s called the 12 x 12 Art Show). 

The sale usually begins with a crush of shoppers; the pieces remain on display through the pre-holiday season and latecomers can scoop up any pieces that haven’t yet been claimed (and speaking from experience, often the remaining pieces are excellent). 

This year, there won’t be an opening sale day and reception. Twelve artists have already submitted their work, which is now on display at the library. You can take a look during open hours, by appointment or online at www.huntlibrary.org/art-wall.

 The artists are Marsha Altemus, John Atchley, Robert Cronin, Sergei Fedorjaczenko, John Hodgson, Jason Bailer Losh, Louise March, Sarah Martinez, Ken Musselman, Gayle Shanley, Jude Streng and Kathy Wismar. 

The show is dedicated to Lillian Lovitt, a sculptor who, according to the library press release, “generously shared her skills and insight with the Hunt Library ArtWall and with the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society. Lovitt died earlier this year, and one of her works will be on display as a memorial tribute to her life and art.”     

For more information on the 12 x 12 Art Show at the D.M. Hunt Library in Falls Village, Conn., call 860-824-7424 or go online to www.huntlibrary.org/art-wall. All art sales benefit both the artists and the library.

A sculpture by the late Lillian Lovitt will be on display as part of the 12 x 12 Art Show this year.

“Earth and Sky,” by Sarah Martinez, is in the 12 x 12 sale at the D. M. Hunt Library.

“Earth and Sky,” by Sarah Martinez, is in the 12 x 12 sale at the D. M. Hunt Library.