The Art League 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
Stumped on what to get for friends and loved ones on your holiday list? The Art league is here to help! Here are some staff suggestions sure to please your favorite artists and art lovers.
Supplies for Experienced and Beginner Artists
- New Wave’s U.Go Plein Air Bundled Setup —”This portable easel setup comes in different sizes, is slim and light-weight, includes a tripod, and is easy to assemble. It’s the ideal tool for for painting or sketching on the go.” ~ Margaret Cerutti, Workshops & Office Manager
- Stabilo CarbOthello Chalk-pastel Pencils* — “They are a step up from regular colored pencils. They can be blended, and would be a good transition medium to prepare drawers for oil or acrylic paints. They come in five different sets from 12 to 60 colors.”~ David Stewart, Store Manager
- Golden High Flow Acrylic Sets* — “These paints are thin enough to flow through a felt tip marker or can be used with a brush. Artists can use them exclusively or apply them to previously painted surfaces. They are a fun addition to try for experienced acrylic artists.”~ David Stewart, Store Manager
- Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Introductory Set* — “This quality assortment is a nice introduction to oils for wannabe painters to oils, and they are reasonably priced.” ~ David Stewart, Store Manager
*All of David’s picks are available in our Art Supply Store on the second floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Art Books
- All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley — “This fascinating read was one of our Art Book Club picks. Patrick Bringley, the author, recounts how, after losing his brother to cancer, he left a glamorous job writing for the The New Yorker to work—and find solace—as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His experiences during the ten years he was employed at the iconic museum are as priceless as the art he guarded.”~ Suzanne Bethel, Executive Director
illustrated by Becca Stadtlander
- Made by Hand: A Crafts Sampler by Carole Lexa Schaefer; illustrated by Stadtlander — “Any picture book illustrated by Becca Stadtlander is a great children’s gift. Her images are beautifully detailed, and the subjects—ranging from interesting historical figures to natural wonders— are unusual. Made by Hand: A Craft Sampler introduces young readers to the ways in which toys, tools, and other items were made from the past were made by hand. It received the 2019 Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration. Fun fact: Becca Stadtlander juried our 2022 Nocturne exhibit.” ~ Haven Ashley, Gallery Director
- Sonya Clark: We Are Each Other — “Textile artist and D.C. native Sonya Clark is known for transforming common, everyday objects into statement-making artworks. Sonya Clark: We Are Each Other, edited by curators Elissa Auther (Museum of Arts and Design), Laura Mott (Cranbrook Art Museum), and Monica Obniski (High Museum of Art), is the companion catalog documenting the current exhibit of Clark’s large-scale textile work and installations. It’s the next best thing to seeing these amazing works in person.” ~ Suzanne Bethel, Executive Director
Fine Art from Gallery 75
- Artwork by Audra Meckstroth — “League member artist Audra Meckstroth paints landscapes of places around the U.S. and abroad. Her pieces are somewhat abstract and offer an interesting take on the traditional landscape. They make great gifts for friends and family who love to travel or would appreciate artwork that reminds them of a favorite place. ” ~ Jordan Solet, Solo Exhibit Coordinator
- Prints by Viviane De Kosinsky — “They are so charming and appealing! Viviane creates colorful landscapes of Paris, London, and Italy, and her animal subjects possess a subtle humor.” ~ Haven Ashley, Gallery Director
An Art Course at the League
- Jumpstart in Pastels workshop with Nancy Freeman — “I highly suggest this two-day workshop. The pastels are provided so all students have to bring are two sheets of grey Canson paper and a sketchbook or scrap paper for preliminary sketches. There is also the one-day Mosaic Smalti and Stone Workshop with Anita Damron, Students only need to bring $75 for the provided materials and wear closed-toed shoes. Registration for the winter term is ongoing. Browse all of our workshops and classes, or call us at 703-683-2323 for details.” ~ Andrea Macciocchi, School Staff
A Membership to a Museum
- Museum Memberships — “A membership to a museum is a gift that keeps on giving because they include exclusive benefits like unlimited free admission; members-only invitations to special events and activities; museum shop discounts; and more depending on your level of membership. If access to the Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions that offer exclusive travel opportunities, all the better!” ~ Julia Chance, Communications Specialist
Art League Gift Cards
- Give the gift of art with a gift card from The Art League! They can be used for purchases in at The Art League Gallery; a class, workshops, and travel workshops at The Art League School; and items in the Art Supply Store. Purchased them here.
Happy holidays from The Art League!
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