The holiday season is here, and if you're still having trouble finding that perfect gift, the Little Egypt Art Association may have something for you.
It’s been almost 20 years since the Little Egypt Arts Association moved into the Powell building on the southwest corner of the tower square in Marion.
“Our goal is to promote the arts of southern Illinois”
Over the years the group has made many improvements to the building.
“For 19 years we have worked on this building every year we try to do something to improve. This year is our gallery lights. Our slot board is such a big improvement it’s unbelievable.”
Association President Bonnie Davis says the non-profit organization features local artist from across Southern Illinois and beyond.
“We have them from Metropolis to Waltonville, Eldorado we are southern Illinois artist, I was astounded when I came here, not only how many people were here, but the diversity.”
That diversity creates wide range of art from multiple mediums for their gallery.
“We do not jut do paintings, oil and watercolor, we have a fantastic photography club that is just out of this world, and we have a writers club that just published their first book, we have jewelry makers, we have fiber ladies, we have ceramic artist, we have wood artist, were very, very diversified.”
During the month of December the association holds a holiday sale, which Davis says also serves as a fundraiser form them.
“Holiday sales is people bring in their art they want to sale weather it be fibers, photography, paintings, or just other objects that they think would make good Christmas gifts, they bring it in and we do this every year for the holidays and it helps bring us money in.”
Davis says all the money they receive is a big help to the organization.
“Keep our doors open, pay our taxes, pay our insurance, we have membership fees and our classes bring us money in, sales brings us money in, and it keeps our doors open, like I said we have no sponsors of any kind its just our membership and they stand up.”
Davis says the art that’s purchased from the Association is not only a gift for them but they’re also a one of a kind gift for your loved ones.
“It’s personal, its not something you just went to the store and bought, its painted from the heart, it means something, a personal gift given to me is a lot better than going to Wal-Mart and buying something, its personal.”
The holiday sale ends December 31st.
During January and February the Little Egypt Arts Association will feature the works of High School art students across Southern Illinois and its one of their biggest displays of the year.
