“It’s a great day to be in Willow!” Different events, 1 day of Holiday cheer and local shopping around Willow

Family and friends have made their lists and they’re being checked over and over as the holidays draw closer. For those wanting to find a gift or looking for a little inspiration for the holidays, Willow is a great place to visit.

On Saturday, December 3, local artisans will open up their studios for the annual Willow Open Studios Tour, an opportunity for people to come view the studios, shop, and meet local artisans.

“We have had open studio events a couple times a year for ten years. Along the way, friends were invited to be guest artists at my studio and we quickly grew the event to include their studios,” says Carol Goltz, owner of WillowAK Pottery.

This year, 4 art studios are participating, including WillowAK Pottery, Willow Creek Studio, Northern Spirit Rustics, and Stephanie Richey Art.

“We’ve been part of this for 10 years,” says Scott Thompson, who along with his wife Joan, owns Willow Creek Studio along the Parks Highway. His 2000 square foot studio will feature 70 local artists of all mediums with all original art, from paintings to wood carvings to hand-sewn items.

Thompson himself is an artist who is known for his intricate carvings, paintings, and chainsaw sculptures, many of which can be seen from the highway. He has featured Bigfoot, mermaids and bears.

On Saturday, his studio will also have Christmas ornaments that kids can paint as parents shop.

“It is a fun event, and there is a lot to see and do around Willow,” says Thompson.

In addition to the Open Studios tour, Willow Elementary PTA is hosting a Holiday Craft Bazaar at the Willow Elementary School.

Artisans and vendors will be on hand for shoppers, complimentary gift wrapping, baked goods, and a chance to get a family photo in time for Christmas cars.

The Bazaar runs from 9:00 am to 4: 00 pm. For more information, visit the Willow Elementary PTA Facebook page.

And in case that isn’t enough, the Willow United Methodist Church will also being hosting a Soup and Bread Lunch, Cookie Walk Sale, and a Craft and Bake Sale. The church is located on 29286 Parks Highway in Willow.

“It’s a Great Day to be in Willow! It’s a way to showcase artistic work being done in the community and has become a social shopping day for locals and visitors,” says Goltz.

Yes, it is a great day to be in Willow.

For more information about the Willow Open Studios Tour, including more information about the participating studies, visit the Willow Creek Studio Facebook page or www.willowakpottery.blogspot.com