DEMOREST, Ga. — The Piedmont Art Museum (aka the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art) will officially opens its inaugural Holiday Market today, offering two days of student-made crafts, special guests, book signings, hot chocolate, and festive community spirit in downtown Demorest.
The market runs Friday and Saturday from 3:00–7:00 p.m., rain or shine, and is fully indoors.
Museum Assistant Director Rebecca Brantley said the new annual event gives students and staff a chance to showcase and sell their work while providing the community with a creative, local shopping experience.
“We are going to offer crafts, jewelry, and different handmade items from a number of our students,” Brantley said. “We expect about nine to ten student vendors.”
Photo Piedmont Art Museum
Friday Highlights: Author Jan Walker
Local author and artist Jan Walker headlines today’s event. She will host a children’s story hour at 4 p.m., reading from her book The Kingdom of Neep, followed by a book signing until 7 p.m.
Unique Items for Sale
The market features a variety of one-of-a-kind items, including:
- Handmade ornaments by Piedmont University’s theater department staff member John Spiegel — available cash or check only
- Student-made crafts and jewelry, favoring online payment options
- Copies of Rhett Turner’s book, Conserving America’s Wildlands, which pairs with the museum’s current exhibition. Books are $59 and available for purchase onsite
“We’ll also have hot chocolate,” Brantley added, making the event a cozy stop for families and holiday shoppers.
Perfect Pairing With Lessons & Carols
Because Piedmont University’s Lessons & Carols begins at 7:30 p.m., the museum invites attendees to arrive early, browse the market, and enjoy hot chocolate before the concert. As of this week, the concert was nearly sold out.
Open to the Public
The entire event is free and open to all ages.
The museum expects a strong turnout and hopes to make the Holiday Market a recurring seasonal tradition.
