Art show promotes creativity in Ellsworth

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – for craft-fair lovers, that is.

And this weekend, shoppers can make a dent in their holiday lists while supporting a good cause. The Gifted Hand, a juried show and sale, will feature the work of 23 artisans from the area. Proceeds from the suggested $2 admission price will benefit Ellsworth Arts, a nonprofit working to promote the arts in the city. The group helped raise money to buy a public sculpture as part of the Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium.

“It’s a chance to use the creative economy to benefit all the people of Ellsworth and help the downtown area as well,” said artist Christina Heiniger.

The Gifted Hand will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at The Maine Grind on Main Street in Ellsworth. Offerings include fine art, puppets, felted items, handbags, scarves and textiles, wooden boxes, wooden toys, jewelry, watercolors, stained glass, lampwork beads, gourmet chocolates, handmade paper lampshades, cards, pottery and many other handcrafted items.

In addition, local merchants such as Terra Cotta and Shoegazer will hold trunk shows and special sales. For more information, visit www.downtownellsworth.org.

While you’re in the area, check out the artisan fair at Blue Hill Consolidated School, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.