Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer
Art Show: Mixed-media artist Chris Sager, a Willow Glen resident and painter since she was 10, will be one of several artists selling their work at the Christmas in the Studio fair, which runs from Oct. 26 to 28 at the Scottish Rite Temple.
Local artists participate in annual Christmas in the Studio art show
By Melissa Matchak
Thirty-six California artists, including several from Willow Glen, will display and sell their work at the 21st annual Christmas in the Studio, a group art show, Oct. 26, 27 and 28, at the Scottish Rite Center in Willow Glen.
The show began when artist Maxine Kirmeyer started it as a fundraiser to help support her basketry school in San Jose. Her artist friends brought their finely crafted items to Kirmeyer's studio for a sale just before the holidays. By popular demand, the show has continued, although Kirmeyer closed her school in 1993. The show now benefits the artists.
Kirmeyer said the show began with 10 artists in a room at the Steindorf School in San Jose, where her basketry school was located.
"We wondered if anyone would come," Kirmeyer said. "They certainly came, and now we have a wonderful customer base that comes every year."
The name of the show originally corresponded with the date of the show, which was held the week before Thanksgiving, at the beginning of the holiday season, Kirmeyer said. After getting bumped from their usual time slot one year, the artists found that customers preferred the earlier October date, so they could start their Christmas shopping earlier and were more comfortable spending money.
The show features ceramics, baskets, clothing, quilts, dolls, paintings, ornaments, greeting cards, jewelry and more. Throughout the show, there will be drawings to win items donated by each artist.
Although Kirmeyer said the show does not specifically have holiday-themed items for sale, the show is a good opportunity for early Christmas shopping.
"Some artists make Christmas cards, but, basically, it includes unusual arts and crafts of very high quality," Kirmeyer said.
The group of artists include Willow Glen residents Carole Westlund, Sally McLeod, Nancy Gano, Ann Kerchner, Chris Sager and Pam Bliss.
Carole Westlund, a potter, has participated in the show since its inception. She said she was asked to be a part of the first show, and also organized it for 15 years.
"It's a lot of fun, and we have a wonderful group of artists," Westlund said.
Westlund, who has lived in Willow Glen for 21 years, makes mugs, dishes, and other functional pieces of pottery. She said she has been a potter for 25 years, and participates in approximately 15 crafts shows a year.
Kirmeyer has been involved in basketry for almost 26 years, and has taught classes all across the United States. She said that after taking a class at the YMCA, her instructor asked her to do a show with her.
"Basketry attracts a really wonderful type of person, and my classes are always wonderful," Kirmeyer said. "It's given me a remarkable life."
Kirmeyer, who was a resident of Willow Glen for 32 years, now lives in Redding, and still participates in the show each year. She said she hopes the show will continue for many more years.
Kirmeyer said the show is arranged as a gallery, rather than having booths lining the walls of the building. Each artist will have a body of his or her work in one area, with the rest spread throughout the show.
Christmas in the Studio will be held on Oct. 26, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A Meet the Artist Reception is scheduled for Oct. 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The Scottish Rite Center is at 2455 Masonic Dr, San Jose. For more information, call 408.842.8208.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
