Art Barn School of Art invites the community to discover the joy of gifting handmade items this holiday season. Beginning November 7 and ending December 24, the Holiday Gift Gallery exhibition returns for its 8th year, transforming the Art Barn into a warm and festive space filled with artisanal gifts created by regional artists.
Executive Director, Amy Davis-Navardauskas states, "We love to create a shopping atmosphere for our community that feels like stepping into a cozy winter retreat. The Art Barn's twinkling lights, essence of creativity, and thoughtful gifts waiting to be found are what make the Holiday Gift Gallery shopping experience so special".
From handcrafted jewelry and knitted pieces to original paintings, photography, soaps, glasswork, woodwork, cards, prints, and more, the Holiday Gift Gallery offers items at a variety of price points to suit every budget.
Holiday Gift Gallery Shopper perusing items created by local artists and artisans.
When you shop here, your purchase not only supports local artists, it also helps sustain Art Barn’s operations and programming—making your holiday giving go even further. "This curated display offers a personal and unique alternative when shopping for those we care about", says Davis-Navardauskas.
There will be an opening reception on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 5-7pm where visitors can meet the artists who created the gifts you'll be giving, get first dibs on all Holiday Gift Gallery items, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the start of the holiday season in a festive and welcoming setting. Free gift bagging with purchase! Sustainer and Barn Raiser Members of Art Barn can take advantage of their 10% member discount on all items for sale in our gallery. To become a Sustainer or Barn Raiser member and receive this discount benefit, visit artbarnschool.org/membership.
For the first time, Art Barn will be hosting a special "Handmade Holidays" Shopping Event on Wednesday, December 3 from 4-6pm. Get into the spirit of the holiday season at this second cozy shopping night, complete with warm drinks and caroling from The Great Lake Sound Chorus. Caroling will be taking place from 4:30-5:15pm. Enjoy this relaxing evening and find the perfect last-minute gifts, free gift bagging included with purchase.
Featured handmade works in this exhibit include baskets, books, cards, fidget toys, glass, jewelry, knitted-pieces, ornaments, original paintings, photography, printed tea towels, prints, soaps, stationery, tote bags, and woodwork.
Participating artists: Stephen Bensing, Francie Bean, Anna Irene Beres, Peggy Carter, Judy Davis, Amy Davis-Navardauskas, Anneke Dekker, Dawn H. Duty, Paul Ewing, Dina Heijselaar, Joyce Hicks, Julia Holmaas, Ulrike Hord, Christina Hubbell, Lisa Marek, Mindy Milan, Mia Navardauskas, Carleen O'Conner Rivera, Ben Ollen, Suzan Perry, Karl Reichardt, Gayle Tuthill, Abigail Unzicker, and Melissa Washburn.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm, with extended hours until 6pm on Wednesdays, and by appointment only Saturdays.
Art Barn School of Art is located at 695 N 400 E, Valparaiso, IN. For more information, please visit artbarnschool.org.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Gift an Art Barn experience to loved ones this holiday season! Gift certificates may be purchased in any amount by visiting artbarnschool.org/gift-card or by calling 219-462-9009 during business hours to complete your transaction.
ABOUT:
Art Barn offers a diverse range of programs, including adult & youth classes, community workshops, and guest artist workshops, fostering creativity, diversity, and connection. Art Barn hosts an annual Juried Art Exhibition in June that recognizes the creation of original quality 2-D works of art, as well as ceramics. The exhibition, with a 30-year history, attracts 400+ entries from aspiring and established artists from the region and nation. The mission of the Art Barn School of Art is to inspire creativity across generations by providing an inclusive, nature-based space where artists of all skill levels can explore, experiment and grow through the arts.