by Nancy Holley

With the shopping days until Christmas dwindling down to a precious few, the Visalia Arts Consortium members have ideas that may help. You can never go wrong with gifts of theatre tickets, museum memberships, or handiwork of local artists. The following include possibilities for all ages and interests, and unless otherwise stated, are located in Visalia.

Arts Visalia. Arts Visalia gallery is holding their annual Holiday Show throughout the month. There will be original art work, jewelry and cards available in the gift shop. Gift certificates for adult and children’s art classes are also available. Call 739-0905.

Clay Studio ArtZone. The ArtZone, “unearthing the eARTh within,” is inviting you to join them for “a day of clay play.” Those on your gift list will know you created a work of art just for them. Currently, the Art Zone is offering instruction for “Holiday Hand-Prints” plaques and ornaments. Call 739-2789.

The Creative Center. The Center’s Jon Ginsburg Gallery at 606 N. Bridge St. is open to the public 10AM to 3 PM Monday through Friday for your Holiday shopping. Numerous framed works in a variety of mediums as well as three-dimensional works in ceramic and fiber art are available for purchase. Call 733-9329.

College of the Sequoias Music Theatre. COS is selling Ticket Gift Vouchers for the March 2011 production of The Phantom of the Opera. Vouchers are $48 and are redeemable for two seats to any of the seven performances. Call 730-3907.

The Enchanted Playhouse. The Playhouse is offering $10 CDs of their one-man show, A Christmas Carol starring COS Professor of Theatre, Chris Mangels. Gift cards are also being offered. Both of these holiday gift ideas are available December 3 – 18. Call 739-4600.

Imagine Community Arts Center. This Porterville arts center is offering gift certificates for art classes. Call 793-1500.

The Main Gallery. The gallery features paintings, ceramics, photography, ornaments and other fine art gifts; all created by local artists. The gallery, at 209 W. Main, is open Monday through Thursday 12 to 6 PM and Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM.

Imagine U Children’s Museum. Family memberships for twelve months are being offered at the special rate of $50. A membership provides free admission for up to two adults and all dependent children, guest passes, popcorn and more! Call 733-5975.

Tulare County Symphony. The Symphony’s Holiday Concert will be on Saturday, December 11th. Give the gift of beautiful symphonic music at this time of year as well as for other concerts early next year. Gift tickets make great stocking stuffers. Call 732-8600.

The Porterville Art Association. The association is holding its Christmas Boutique on December 10th and 11th from 9 AM until 5 PM. Jewelry, beaded crystal watches, cards, fired pots, paintings of all sizes and styles, photos and books are a few of the one-of-a-kind items for sale. Raffle tickets will also be on sale for a beautiful large doll. Call 784-6678.

Visalia Players. The Players are offering Rest-of-the-Season tickets. The package includes five live theatrical productions – two are musicals – for just $45. They also have one, three and five show gift certificates for $12, $36 and $60 respectively. Call 734-3900.

Happy holidays!

Nancy Holley has been involved with the Visalia Community Players off and on since the 1970’s, both as a director and actor. In July, she retired from 25 years as a software consultant and has since then expanded her role at the Players and is now Vice President of the Board, and on the perusal committee as well as a part of the Visalia Arts Consortium.