Up Your Gift-Giving Game

The holidays are approaching and we know that you have some (or a lot) shopping to do. Up your gift-giving game this year – get your friends and family something made by a local artist/maker!

Traditional galleries spaces are a great place to start your holiday shopping. THE BLOCKS is filled with amazing galleries to get gifts from. Check out these spaces for beautiful and meaningful gifts: Modern West Fine Art, Hope Gallery, Southam Gallery, God Hates Robots, Urban Arts Gallery, Michael Berry Gallery, Art Access and Art At The Main.

Galleries aren’t the only places where you can purchase artwork, THE BLOCKS has retailers with works from local artists for sale! Forego the long lines and stress of the mall and find unique, thoughtful gifts for your loved ones at these locally owned shops. If paintings aren’t your thing, have no fear! Art comes in all shapes and sizes; ceramics, prints, textiles, accessories and sculptures could all make special, useful and beautiful gifts.

 

Here are some ideas on places to find unique work from our creative community:

UMOCA and West Downtown

The little shop in UMOCA’s (20 S. West Temple) front-of-house has a plethora of gift options all in one stop. Find jewelry, prints, shirts, ceramics and more all made by our local Utah artists. While you’re there, see what’s happening in the rest of the museum’s galleries.

A short walk south from UMOCA will bring you to a hub of fantastic shops and restaurants in THE BLOCKS. Check out God Hates Robots (314 W. Broadway St., Suite #250), a locals-only gallery with affordable works. They’re currently showing work by Sri Whipple and the pieces are going fast! Stop in at Caputos while you’re there for a quick lunch. Once you’re fed and ready for the next thing, head over to The Gateway to wrap up the day. There is so much to see as you walk along and there is usually something new to do!

The People’s Coffee & Shops on 300 S

Currently showing work by two artists – Michael Lawler and Valerie Jane, The Peoples Coffee’s (221 E. Broadway St.) north wall is regularly filled with drawings and paintings by local artists. Grab a cuppa joe and browse the artwork while you sip.

There are also several shops right next door where you may find just the thing you’re looking for! Find retro-charm clothing at Betty Bird (215 E. Broadway) or must-have vintage furniture at The Green Ant (179 E. Broadway St.). Stop into The Fellow Shop (217 E. Broadway St.) too and fall in love with their curated products (maybe even treat yourself to something!).

Is someone on your shopping list a total film buff? Head west on 300 South to the Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Theatre (111 E. Broadway St.) and pick up a gift certificate and stay for a movie if you have the time.

Nostalgia Coffee & Downtown Artist Collective

Currently showing a group show titled Skateboarder Art, Nostalgia Coffee is another great place to sit, sip and browse. Located at 248 E. and 100 S., they’re a short stroll from the lights at Temple Square and Main Street. During the next Gallery Stroll, they’ll be opening a new group show of a dozen artists – all works will be $100 or less.

Once you’ve warmed up at Nostalgia, stop in next door at the Downtown Artist Collective (100 S. 258 E.) for even more local artwork.

FICE Gallery

FICE Gallery (160 E. 200 S.) is another great place to start your holiday shopping. They may be known for their curated selection of designer footwear and apparel, but they’re also curators of local artwork! Take a few laps around the store in your new kicks and pick out your favorite work by Randall Lake, the artist currently featured in the gallery.

After FICE, take Edison Street to 300 S. On your way down this little street, grab a drink at Campos Coffee (228 Edison St.) and stop into Diabolical Records to pick up a gift for the music lover on your list. Then on to Ken Sanders Rare Books where walking amongst the books, you’ll find the hours slipping blissfully by.

Find your way around town with our Interactive Map!