Shop local this holiday season
The homegrown businesses in Downtown Carlsbad are the perfect places to find all your Christmas gift needs. Not only are there great retail, restaurants, and salons, but there are a few gems that I would like to share with you. If art is your passion, Carlsbad has amazing shops and offerings for every art enthusiast.
The Artist Gallery was a passion and dream of the Carlsbad Area Art Association and promotes local Carlsbad artists. This Co-Op gallery is entirely owned and operated by the members, encourages artistic expression and a thriving artisan community. The Artist Gallery vision started with 5 artists and the Co-Op gallery is now home to 27 artists. The one-of-a-kind pieces of these artists are available for purchase all year round, but once a year the Artist Gallery hosts the Red-Hot Red Dot Sale, when all works are sold for 20% of the original price. A red dot means that item is 40% off the original price. The Artist Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch the Artist Gallery Facebook page for more information.
Pistol Packin’ Cowgirls is not just for western wear, it also houses True West Fine Art Gallery that displays the work of the artists Steve and Tammy Knickerbocker. The works of western art and bronze sculptures are a must see and can be a great addition to any home or office. The handmade jewelry and accessories will wow you. The talents of the Knickerbocker family are shown throughout their store, and it is a must see. Visit their store Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at 102 S Canal St.
While shopping in the Downtown district, don’t forget about the Carlsbad Museum. Founded in 1931, the Carlsbad Museum fulfills its mission as a cultural and educational institution through the collection, preservation, exhibition and interpretation of artifacts, documents and works of art relating to prehistory, history and esthetic environment of the City of Carlsbad and the surrounding communities of southeast New Mexico. The Museum features permanent displays focusing on local and regional history. Inside the Carlsbad Museum there is a Gift Shop is open during Museum hours, offering books of interest to the southwest region, cards, posters, gifts, toys, and jewelry.
Alongside Carlsbad MainStreet, Downtown Carlsbad is home to the Pearl of the Pecos Arts and Cultural District. The district was approved as a startup district by the state in 2018 and has been made strides to become a state designated Arts & Cultural District. The Pearl of the Pecos Arts and Cultural District supports the development of a sustainable cultural economy, arts education, and historic preservation to provide diverse arts and cultural experiences by day and an entertainment district by night. To keep up to date on Arts & Cultural activities and promotions in the community be sure to follow the Pearl of the Pecos Facebook page, and check out their website www.pearlofthepecos.org which is home to a community calendar of upcoming events.
Downtown Carlsbad has you covered for all your holiday needs. There are so many things that make Carlsbad homegrown businesses special, and it is here you will find the perfect gift for your family and friends. Carlsbad MainStreet would like to encourage our community and visitors to #jointhechallenge and support local businesses this holiday season and year-round. Happy holidays Carlsbad.
Ashly Key is the executive director of Carlsbad MainStreet Project.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Shop local this holiday season
