Nov. 12, 2009

York, PA – Holiday shoppers can find one-of-a-kind and unusual gifts created by Central Pennsylvania’s craftspeople at the annual HACC Artisan Marketplace of York County. This year the expanded marketplace is open Nov. 30-Dec. 23.

New this year is a “Meet the Artists” event scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. A number of the selected craftspeople will share their work and techniques that day.

Some of the designs of more than 36 juried artisans include porcelain jewelry boxes, paintings in watercolor, acrylic and oil, pottery, metal, mosaics, photography, porcelain jewelry and ornaments, glassware, scherenschnitte, polymer clay, rugs, purses, faux finished mirrors and fiber art. All are available for the gift-giving season at the York Art Association, 220 S. Marshall St., York.

“We expanded to the full 1500 square feet of space available at the Art Association too, to accommodate the program’s growth,” said Lisa Steffen, business counselor for HACC’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies at the Goodling Center, 2101 Pennsylvania Ave. “We’re also expanding the hours, with volunteers helping to cover evenings and Saturdays. The response in the York area for this type of venture has been very good.”

HACC’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies provides business planning and execution to help local craftspeople launch their small business. The college operates similar marketplaces in Newport in Perry County and in Harrisburg.

 “We’re glad to provide business guidance and contacts so these artists and artisans who are growing small businesses or who are home-based can showcase and sell their artwork,” said Fran Verotsky, director of HACC’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, which is co-sponsoring with the York Art Association for the project. “With the success of our Artisans Marketplace program, we’ve been able to expand in York and other locations within the mid-state. We believe, in time, these artisans will develop a solid customer base.”

Fact Facts:

For more information, contact Lisa Steffen at HACC, 718-0328, extension 3564 or call the Art Association at 755-0028.