A Handmade Holiday: Your Arkansas Gift Guide
If you’re looking to keep your holiday spending close to home, Arkansas’ maker and arts markets are packed with opportunities to shop local this holiday season. From Fayetteville to Little Rock, here are the key markets and pop-ups happening this season—organized by date so you can plan your weekends. This is by no means a comprehensive list so be on the look out for others.
And be sure to check out our new collaboration with Arkansas artists Studio Paper Co. You can find gift wrap by Olivia Trimble and a journal by Jessica Jones with more products to come! Funds go to support Arkansas artists and The Idle Class. Check it out now.
Fayetteville:
December 5
Hosted by Stacy Spangler Art at Whistle Stop Plaza, the Art and Adoration: A Christmas Open Studio invites shoppers to celebrate the season while browsing original artwork, hand-painted ornaments, and one-of-a-kind gifts. The event features creations from several local makers who share a heart for meaningful art and a spirit of community. This event runs from 11 am to 3 pm.
December 6
Haus Collective will host its first large-scale holiday market, the Haus Collective Holiday Market,with East Mountain Street closed for the occasion to make room for numerous local vendors, custom embroidery, and more. This vibrant event combines unique shopping opportunities with delicious offerings from Zenith coffee truck and a rocking, festive street atmosphere.
December 6-7
Hosted by the University of Arkansas School of Art, the UA School of Art Winter Art Market market allows the public to purchase affordable, original artwork directly from students, faculty, and alumni. It is an excellent way to support emerging artists and find unique, high-quality prints, ceramics, and other crafts for the holidays. The event takes place at Studio and Design Center at 696 W. Praxis Ln. in Fayetteville from 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday) and 10 am to 3 pm (Sunday).
December 6, 13, & 20
Hosted by the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market, the Fayetteville Holiday Market on the Square expands to feature unique handcrafted holiday wreaths, artisan crafts, and baked goods, alongside regular farmers’ market vendors. Shoppers can enjoy local music and a festive atmosphere while finding small, local gifts on the historic downtown square.
December 6 -7, 13-14, 20-21
Shopping fans will have a field day finding unique gifts at this market, which features a curated selection of global and local artisans offering vintage and new wares across three weekends at the Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market in Sonrisa Boutique. The fun-filled event is topped off with food trucks, sweet treats, and a free hot chocolate bar, alongside convenient complimentary gift-wrapping.
December 6-21
On Dec. 6, Fayetteville’s holiday shopping hits full stride. The Community Creative Center hosts its annual Holiday Market Open House with pottery, glasswork, textiles, soaps, books, and more.
December 13
Billed as the queerest and cheeriest holiday market in NWA, Homo for the Holidays focuses on handmade treasures from local LGBTQIA+ artists and makers. Shoppers can find all kinds of unique gifts and enjoy decadent hot drinks and baked goods in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere at Pink House Alchemy.
The TheatreSquared Holiday Market is pulled off by the multitalented theatre-makers of T2, featuring a unique array of handmade goods often reflecting their creative background. Available gifts include handmade candles, jewelry, unique mediums like linocut prints and pulled paint art, sweet treats, and more. This event runs from 12-2 pm.
December 14
The Holiday Market at Fossil Cove is the perfect stop to knock out your shopping list while supporting over a dozen local makers and artists, with gifts ranging from prints and jewelry to crafts. Once your shopping is done, you can reward yourself with a craft beer or cider and some delicious Wicked Wood Fired Pizza. You can grab a copy of the newest comic by our pal Chad Maupin of Big Bot Creative. This event runs from 12-5 pm.
Bentonville:
December 6, 13, & 20 — Bentonville
Moving indoors for the colder months, the Bentonville Holiday Indoor Farmers Market extends its offerings to include goods from local craftspeople and artisans. It provides a community-focused environment to pick up local produce alongside handmade gifts and unique holiday sweets.
December 13 — Bentonville
Bentonville’s signature seasonal event, the Holiday Market at The Meteor, pops up on Dec. 13th from 10 am to 5 pm with local art, gifts, and handmade goods—an ideal stop for Northwest Arkansas shoppers rounding out their lists.
Rogers:
December 3-28
Hosted by the Artists of Northwest Arkansas (ANA) in their downtown Rogers gallery, the ANA Gallery Membership Show and 6×6 Silent Auction helps raise money for education programs while offering unique holiday gifts. Visitors can find great original art pieces, including the popular 6×6-inch works, from talented ANA member artists for sale.
December 5-6
The festive Rogers Christmas Village market returns to Frisco Plaza in downtown Rogers, kicking off with the Christmas Parade on Friday night and continuing all day Saturday. Shoppers can visit over 35 local makers, enjoy food trucks, see the lights, and grab unique, handmade gifts for the whole family.
Little Rock:
December 5–7
The Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase returns to the State Fairgrounds Dec. 5–7, featuring hundreds of regional artisans. From pottery and jewelry to woodworking and fiber arts, this juried show is one of the biggest handmade shopping weekends in the state. It’s a great place to find heirloom-quality gifts while supporting Arkansas makers.
December 7
The Arkansas Made, Black Crafted Christmas Market takes place Dec. 7 at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. The event highlights Black artists and entrepreneurs from across the state, offering jewelry, art, décor, specialty foods, and unique gift ideas.
Hosted by the local vintage shop Dog Eat Dog Collective, Lost & Found Holiday $25 or Less Market brings together over 60 vintage sellers, local artists, and makers offering unique gifts, accessories, and art—all priced affordably at $25 or under. This one-day market is an accessible way to shop local in the heart of the SoMa district, featuring unique finds, creative talent, and a festive community atmosphere perfect for holiday gifting.
December 14
Misfit Maker Winter Market is hosting a festive holiday event featuring original art, handmade jewelry, curated vintage finds, and other unique goods from Arkansas-based artists and makers. Offering a lively alternative to big box stores, the free market includes a drag show from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with food and beverages available for purchase from Fassler Hall.
December 17
The White Water Tavern Holiday Market will take place from 5-9 pm and feature many local artisans and artists including our pal Slug Knives so come check it out.
Hot Springs:
December 6, 13, & 20 — Hot Springs
Located at the Farmers Market pavilion, the Hot Springs December Farmers and Artisans Market features a focused group of local artisans who sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and art alongside local produce. It’s a great spot for finding smaller, beautifully crafted gifts directly from the makers.
Art Galleries to Explore
Little Rock:
Hearne Fine Art
Hearne Fine Art is a distinguished Little Rock gallery dedicated to the preservation and promotion of African-American fine art, striving to educate and sustain generational wealth through its powerful collections. As a pillar in the artistic community, the gallery offers unique fine art, literature, and custom framing—perfect for a meaningful gift.
Boswell Mourot Fine Art
Boswell Mourot Fine Art in the SoMa district is an award-winning gallery showcasing an exquisite, diverse collection of fine art from contemporary local, national, and international emerging and mid-career artists. With works including paintings, sculptures, and photography, it’s a premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts looking for a sophisticated, standout gift.
M2 Gallery
M2 Gallery, located in the historic SoMa District, is a family-run gallery specializing in fine art from regional and international artists, alongside being Arkansas’s premier destination for museum-quality custom framing. They pride themselves on helping first-time buyers and seasoned collectors find the perfect piece or create a custom-framed gift for any occasion.
South Main Creative
South Main Creative is an eclectic destination in the SoMa district that puts an urban twist on the traditional antique mall, showcasing authentic antiques, vintage items, local art, and artisan-made goods from over 30 vendors. It is the perfect place to find a unique, one-of-a-kind treasure, from handcrafted jewelry to up-cycled furniture, that truly supports the local creative community.
Argenta Bead Company
Argenta Bead Company is Arkansas’s largest bead shop, offering an extensive and eclectic selection of colorful materials like gemstones, pearls, metals, and artisan glass for all jewelry-making needs. Beyond supplies, they offer custom jewelry design, repairs, and classes, making them a wonderful source for both personalized gifts and gift certificates for a fun, creative experience.
Gallery 26
Showcasing Central Arkansas’s most innovative artists since 1995, Gallery 26 offers a diverse and affordable selection of original local art, including paintings, jewelry, pottery, and unique artistic curiosities. This welcoming Hillcrest gallery is the perfect spot to find a one-of-a-kind, budget-friendly gift while supporting the local creative community.
Cantrell Gallery
Cantrell Gallery is one of the longest-running fine art galleries and custom framing businesses in Little Rock, regularly featuring an outstanding collection of original paintings, drawings, and mixed media works by both established and emerging local/regional artists. Alongside providing expert custom framing, this gallery hosts frequent special exhibitions, making it a great place to discover new Arkansas talent and find a lasting gift.
The Window on Sixth
The Window on Sixth is an avant-garde pop-up gallery and studio that showcases visionary talent and artisan goods through tightly curated, limited-run exhibitions and monthly art markets. This unique space is the perfect destination for finding bold, statement-making gifts, contemporary art, or unique artisan items that directly support local creators and an innovative art model.
The Art Group Gallery
The Art Group Gallery is an artist-owned cooperative showcasing a wide variety of contemporary fine art—including paintings, photography, and sculpture—from a talented collective of Arkansas-based artists. With frequent rotating shows, this gallery offers diverse styles and price points, making it an excellent resource for unique gifts and commissions that directly support local painters and sculptors.
The Museum Store at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum Store at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts offers unique, design-forward gifts—including original art, stationery, home goods, and art supplies—inspired by the museum’s collection, building, and mission of cultural inclusivity. 100% of the profit supports the museum’s programming and outreach, making any purchase a gift that gives back to the community.
North Little Rock:
ACANSA Gallery
ACANSA Gallery is the visual arts center for the ACANSA Arts Festival of the South, featuring a different local or regional artist each month, allowing visitors to buy original art directly from the region’s best talent. Supporting the organization’s mission of cultural enrichment, purchasing a unique piece is a thoughtful, community-focused gift with lasting value.
Fayetteville:
Fenix Art Gallery
Fenix Art Gallery, a non-profit artist collective nestled on Mount Sequoyah, showcases a diverse and carefully curated range of original works, including ceramics, jewelry, prints, and fiber art, from over 30 talented Northwest Arkansas artists. Dedicated to empowering local artists and enriching the community, this gallery is the perfect place to find a unique, handcrafted gift that supports the region’s vibrant creative scene.
Pretty Good Neighbors
Pretty Good Neighbors operates a permanent retail shop dedicated to planet-friendly goods, premium wears, and high-quality hangouts in the heart of downtown Fayetteville. The store specializes in items with a strong regional focus, offering a curated mix of unique apparel (often featuring local designs and iconography), accessories, and handcrafted goods from local makers. It is an ideal spot to find sustainable, creatively designed gifts—like ceramics and uniquely-printed shirts—that celebrate the culture and spirit of Northwest Arkansas.
Matt Miller Studio
Matt Miller Studio, the working space of multidisciplinary artist Matt Miller, offers gifts perfect for the contemplative art lover, ranging from original paintings and fine art prints to a gift certificate for a custom commission based on the recipient’s personal story. While serving as his personal creative hub, the studio also hosts collaborations that occasionally showcase and sell work from a collective of other local Northwest Arkansas artists.
Local Color Studio Gallery
This unique studio and gallery space, run by local artists, features the works of a variety of regional talents in mediums like jewelry, pottery, wood, glass, and paintings. It’s a great place to buy an original gift directly from a local creative, or purchase a gift certificate for one of their hands-on art classes.
Rogers:
MIXD Gallery
MIXD Gallery is an emerging and accessible art space in the Pinnacle Heights district, delivering a curated mix of original contemporary fine art and functional design objects from talented artists and designers across the Ozark region. This gallery is the perfect place to find a sophisticated, investment-worthy gift, including paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and textiles, that celebrates regional talent.
Kaleidoscope Collective
Kaleidoscope Collective is a community-focused art retail shop and workshop space in Downtown Rogers, featuring a vibrant collection of unique handmade goods and gifts from over 40 different local artists, makers, and creatives. Visitors can shop for jewelry, ceramics, prints, apparel, and paintings, or purchase a gift certificate for a fun, hands-on workshop like rug tufting or metalsmithing.
Bentonville:
Crystal Bridges Museum Store
The Museum Store offers a high-design shopping experience with fine-art prints, high-quality home décor, and elegant accessories inspired by the museum’s art and architecture. It also features a dedicated Regional Artisan Program, making it an ideal place to find handcrafted pottery, jewelry, and woodworks by local Southern artists.
Midnight Gallery
Midnight Gallery has quickly become a haven for contemporary art from the Northwest Arkansas region, where local artists find an intimate and inviting space to display and sell their original works (including paintings, textiles, and prints). For a unique experience, a hidden doorway leads to Callisto, a tropical-themed speakeasy, making a gift of a painting or a ticket to one of their art and sip workshops a perfect, immersive night out.
Art Collective Gallery
This modern and unique gallery showcases a diverse range of contemporary fine art, including paintings, sculpture, pottery, and furniture design, from local, national, and international artists. Focused on contemporary and one-of-a-kind pieces, it’s an excellent source for sophisticated gifts and exclusive wall art for any space.
Art on the Square
Located prominently on the Downtown Bentonville Square, this gallery exclusively features the work of over a dozen diverse and talented Arkansas artists. It’s the best spot to find a broad variety of original paintings, drawings, and small artistic souvenirs that directly support the local creative community.
Wishing Spring Gallery
This charming non-profit gallery features a vast, affordable collection of high-quality handmade crafts, jewelry, pottery, and unique artworks from over 40 talented local and regional artisans. A portion of every purchase supports high school art education programs, ensuring your thoughtful gift gives back to the community.
Hot Springs:
Justus Fine Art Gallery
|Justus Fine Art Gallery is a sophisticated space representing a wide range of outstanding established and emerging regional artists, with works including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and jewelry. With a new exhibit hung monthly, it is a premier destination for serious collectors and visitors seeking high-quality, contemporary fine art as a memorable gift.
Artists’ Workshop Gallery
This fine art cooperative is owned and operated by over 30 talented local artists, offering a wide variety of original works, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and fused glass, all available for purchase at accessible prices. Many member artists accept commissions and staff the gallery, providing the opportunity to meet the creator of your chosen gift.
American Art Gallery and Gifts
With over 4,000 square feet of exhibition space across two floors, this gallery displays a dynamic collection of fine art and gifts by local, regional, and national artists. It is a great place to find unique items like local pottery, woodturnings, and paintings of area landmarks, making for a perfect Hot Springs-themed souvenir or gift.
Dryden Pottery
A Hot Springs institution for over 75 years, Dryden Pottery is run by the third generation of the family, specializing in unique and colorful functional and art pottery made with their custom-blended clay and in-house formulated glazes. You can purchase a distinctive piece of recognizable “Dryden” pottery or even request a studio tour to see the art being made.
Eureka Springs:
Visions on Main
This welcoming gallery is a place to discover the diverse and rich art of Eureka Springs, featuring the contemporary works of more than 45 local artists, makers, and authors, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents. Visitors can explore a broad collection ranging from large statement pieces to affordable artistic creations, making it easy to find a piece of Eureka Springs to take home.
Quicksilver Gallery
A long-standing fixture in downtown for over 30 years, Quicksilver Gallery features artwork from more than 100 local, regional, and national artists, specializing in unique, hand-made jewelry, art, pottery, wood, and metal pieces. Beyond selling art, the gallery provides a fun, hands-on musical exhibit where you can play unusual instruments, making it a memorable stop for both browsing and buying gifts.
Wilson and Wilson Folk Art Company
Located in the historic Flatiron Building, this gallery is the working studio and showcase for the unique, contemporary American folk art created by local mother-and-daughter artists, Blakeley and Sylvia Wilson. Their collection features hand-painted furnishings, canvas paintings, detailed needlework, and quirky hand-crafted items, all embodying the joyful “Own Art Be Happy” spirit.
Conway:
Gleam Art Gallery is a newer art collective that proudly consists of over 25 local artists, offering a wide range of original works including paintings, pottery, glass, and fabric impressions, with a completely different style from each artist. The gallery also features a dedicated gift shop with smaller, affordable pieces and items inspired by the artwork on the floor, making it a wonderful stop for unique finds.
Batesville:
Gallery 246 is a non-profit art collective in the heart of Batesville’s downtown, dedicated to featuring and selling the works of more than two dozen member artists from around Arkansas, with a strong focus on the local Independence County area. Beyond original paintings and crafts, the collective offers studio space and classes, making a piece of art or a class gift certificate a meaningful purchase.
Batesville Area Arts Council Work/Shop on Main is a renovated storefront gift shop showcasing handmade goods from local and regional artists in a diverse range of mediums. In addition to a selection of small art prints, jewelry, and 3D works perfect for gifting, the space hosts an expanded workshop area that is perfect for purchasing gift certificates for creative classes.
Russellville:
The Rustic Rooster Of Russellville is a welcoming craft and gift store that specializes in items from local artisans and unique Arkansas-made crafts, including natural fragrances, soap, and bath products. You can find a variety of unique, handmade gifts here, from ceramics and leatherwork to materials and tools for the dedicated crafter in your life.
Fort Smith:
The Gallery on Garrison is a vibrant community gallery showcasing the exceptional work of artists working in Arkansas and Oklahoma, with a strong focus on regional contemporary art. In addition to original paintings and exhibited works available for sale, they offer fun, unique gifts like tickets to their “Paint & Sip” or “Splatter Paint Parties.”
The Museum Store at RAM
The Museum Store at RAM features a specialty gift shop selling unique items and one-of-a-kind artwork crafted by local and regional artists, including ceramics, jewelry, photography, watercolors, and woodcarving. Visitors can find unique prints and originals alongside museum-themed books and homewares, making it a reliable destination for finding a high-quality, local art gift.
Jonesboro:
Sara Howell Studio and Gallery is a prominent downtown Jonesboro art destination that offers a distinctive selection of original fine art from several different artists, including the work of the studio’s namesake, Sara Howell. Available mediums include Raku pottery, handblown glass, engraving, and unique intaglio etchings, making it a key stop for a sophisticated gift purchase.
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