QUEENS — Looking for unique holiday gifts?
Kew Gardens artists are organizing the first-ever holiday market in the neighborhood.
“It will be like a mini Bryant Park here, in Kew Gardens,” said Grace Anker, the owner of The Potter's Wheel, a local pottery studio, who co-organizes the event.
The market, scheduled for Nov. 15, will take place on the patio of Austin’s Ale House.
The idea came to jewelry designer Joanne Nichols, a Kew Gardens resident, as she lunched on the patio in September. She discussed it with other local artists who hopped on board.
"I love the Bryant Park Holiday Market and wanted to replicate it, as closely as possible, on a local level," Nichols said. "Why hassle with Manhattan when you can shop locally with a variety of artists who are just as talented."
Shoppers will find a variety of handcrafted items, such as candles, knitwear, organic body scrubs, pottery and jewelry, including various Judaica ornaments, like hamsas and mezuzahs.
Painters and photographers will also be selling their pieces.
“We have a lot of really thoughtful and creative people in Kew Gardens so it just seems like a natural thing for us to offer something like this for the holidays when people are looking for gifts," Anker said.
"We think it will be a great way to showcase the talent that exists in the community,” she added.
Austin’s Ale House is located at 82-70 Austin St. The market will be held on Nov. 15, from noon to 5:00 p.m. (the rain date is Nov. 22).