Harlem is setting off the holidays a week before Thanksgiving with its Christmas Market on Saturday.
The Harlem Arts Council is hosting the annual event, at which local artists sell various crafts on consignment.
The market started small, with members of the Harlem Arts Council just holding up their paintings on display. The council itself started in 2014, and within the last four years, its modest arts showcase has gradually grown into an event lasting several weeks. Creators in various genres offer their wares, from pottery and jewelry, to scarves, oil paintings and woodworked nativities.
“There is so much talent in this little town, and there wasn’t a place to show off creations or the craftiness of Harlem or the surrounding area,” said council president Jena Reynolds. “So, we created something specifically for that need and opportunity.”
Wooden manger set by Dieter Beck, sold at the 2020 Harlem Arts Council Christmas Market. Photo taken from the HAC Facebook page. 
Pens by JB Pen Turning, displayed at the 2020 Harlem Arts Council Christmas Market. Photo taken from the HAC Facebook page.
The council insists that all of the artwork sold be unique and made by the hands of the seller. In order to encourage membership, the HAC would previously only display and sell works by HAC members. But this year the market is opened it up to any artist in Harlem and throughout the area who would like to participate.
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“Art includes anything you can create,” said Reynolds. “We encourage the historical, the present and the futuristic art.”
The market is usually opened throughout December, save the week of Christmas, on Saturdays to provide opportunity for those who work during the week to visit.
“Like Harlem itself, it’s original, homey, comfortable and old fashioned,” said Reynolds. “We encourage all kinds of art if it stays true to the artist presenting it.”
The Christmas Market starts on Saturday at the Harlem Civic Center, located at 375 N. Louisville St. For more information visit the HAC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HarlemArtsCouncil.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering Columbia County with The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
