Holidays bring arts, crafts festivals

Some gifts are soon forgotten or disappear into a drawer or closet as they mix with what’s already there.

Other gifts outlast forgetfulness because the recipient knows they are one of a kind or handmade, or is aware you had to go the extra mile to find it.

As the holiday season approaches, artists, crafters, bakers and makers of one sort or another throw in together to create their own mini-malls of paintings, pottery and blown glass, Christmas decorations, candles, and jewelry. Most are purchases you can feel good about to boot because the money goes straight to local pockets, and proceeds from some of the shows and pop-up markets go back to community service organizations as well.

If you are looking for unique gifts or one-of-a-kind decorations this year, try one of these coming events:

Northside United Methodist Church Preschool Holiday Gift Show

Close to 100 vendors, including local artists, offer gourmet foods, handcrafted home gifts, clothing and jewelry. Carolers from school choirs will sing.

$3, under 13 free. 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 14 for ladies night. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15-16. 2799 Northside Drive N.W., Atlanta. 770-639-0202. http://nmpgiftshow.org/index.htm.

Sawnee Artists Association Christmas in Central Park

This show in Forsyth County features more than 90 artists and crafters in jewelry, glass, pottery, woodworking and decorative items. Also, specialty food items, clothing and holiday decorations. Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and check out Santa’s workshop.

Free entry. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 16; 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Nov. 17. Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Central Park Center, 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming. 678-936-6422 or email cicp2013@gmail.com. http://www.christmasincentralpark.com/

Spruill Gallery Holiday Artists Market

Unique and locally made gifts and decor. You’ll find all the items that Spruill teaches its students to make and more: jewelry, art, ceramics, fiber art, toys, glass items.

6-9 p.m. Nov. 14 opening night. 10 a.m.-6 p.m Nov. 15-Dec. 23 on Tuesdays through Saturdays, but open to 8 p.m. Thursdays in December; 2-5 p.m. Sundays. Closed Thanksgiving. On Dec. 23, everything is 20 percent off.

Free. 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta. 770-394-4019. www.spruillgallery.blogspot.com.

Work of Our Hands Artists’ Market at the Cathedral of St. Philip

Some of the region’s established artists and new talent, encouraged through the outreach mission of The Work of Our Hands. This organization promotes arts and crafts from people who have been “marginalized by socioeconomic, mental health and intellectual challenges.”

Free except for $15 for opening reception from 6-8 p.m Nov. 21; otherwise, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 22-23; 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 24. 2744 Peachtree Road N.W., Atlanta. https://www.stphilipscathedral.org/, click on "News and Publications."

5th annual Holiday Gift Bazaar

This community sale in Loganville offers more than 40 vendors selling crafts and arts, door prizes and goodie bags.

Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 16. The Orchard Church, 1950 Ga. 81 South, Loganville.

The St. Marlo Holiday Bazaar & Gift Boutique

More than 160 vendors will sell a variety of fine arts and crafts. There will be raffle prizes and home-baked goodies, and the proceeds go to community organizations such as the Johns Creek Community Garden, the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Johns Creek Arts Center.

Free. 5-9 p.m. Nov. 21; 10 a.m-5 p.m. Nov. 22. St. Marlo Country Club, 7755 St. Marlo Country Club Parkway, Duluth. 770-314-3459.

31st annual Sprayberry High School PTSA Arts & Crafts Show

More than 160 artists will sell a variety of seasonal decorations, art, candles, jewelry, clothing and crafts. The money goes to Sprayberry’s PTSA.

Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 23; noon-4 p.m. Nov. 24. Sprayberry High School, 2525 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. http://sprayberryptsa.org/arts-crafts-show/.

Indie Craft Experience Pop-Up Shop.