Multifaceted holiday celebration underway at Westmont arts center

Kelly Urban, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·3 min read

Dec. 21—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The 53rd annual Holly Bazaar at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County will help make the season merry and bright.

The multifaceted holiday celebration will be held through Sunday in the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center's gallery and the M. Josephine Paul Family Museum at the arts center, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Westmont.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

"The Holly Bazaar is one of the most exciting times of the year at the Community Arts Center," said Angela R. Godin, executive director of the arts center. "It is a fundraising event that not only benefits the arts center, but can make a huge financial impact for the artist community and the community at large."

The event will feature handcrafted items from more than 70 artisans.

"The Holly Bazaar is a dynamic opportunity to reach the community through a one-of-a-kind shop local experience," Godin said. "These handcrafted items are made by local and regional artisans and crafters."

Featured items will be wreaths, jewelry, home decor, clothes, pottery, ceramics, Santas and angel figurines, candles, cutting boards, scarves, blankets and afghans, toys, Johnstown memorabilia, woodwork, artwork, holiday decorations and handcrafted gifts.

The Holly Bazaar also features the arts center's holiday candy and nut sale.

Also part of the bazaar is the 22nd annual Basket Bonanza, which will run through Dec. 17.

Visitors will have a chance to win baskets, with more than 100 donated by arts center members, friends and local businesses. The baskets feature purchased, practical and handcrafted items.

Themes include auto supplies, food, jewelry, cosmetics, children's toys, gift cards, his-and-hers gift sets, baking supplies, dinner at home, movies, entertainment, pet supplies, personal or household accessories, dinners, wine and spirits, holiday decor, and handcrafted and holiday items.

The arts center will also hold its Festival of the Trees, featuring six trees designed and created by local artists. The trees are part of a silent auction that will be held through Dec. 17.

Trees created are "Winter in Gnomeville" by Billie Murphy and Joyce Lichtenfels; "Steelers Legends" by Mel Burkhart; "Corky" snowmen by Donna Rogers; "Tribute to a Friend" and "Snowy Owl" (two-sided themed tree) by Candice Fisher; "3-D Friends" by Lida Hood; and "Icons of Johnstown" by Duane Webb.

Raffle chances will be sold, giving attendees the opportunity to win gifts donated by members and businesses.

Items being raffled off are two $100 cash trees, a $50 lottery tree, a decorative wall tapestry, a solid chocolate plaque from O'Shea's, a Longaberger basket and an American Girl doll.

Registration for free door prizes will be available.

Raffle proceeds benefit the arts center's programming and events.

Winners of the raffle, the Basket Bonanza and the Festival of the Trees will be selected Dec. 18.

Winners do not need to be present and will be notified.

Also featured will be the Handbag and Scarf Boutique, which will include new and gently used purses, handbags, duffel/travel bags, clutches, wallets, scarves and neckerchiefs. The boutique will be available during bazaar hours.

Through a partnership with Young Heart Books and Toys, the arts center will offer a children and youth book section to the Holly Bazaar. A percentage from each book sold will benefit the arts center.

Each Saturday of the Holly Bazaar will feature a variety of musical entertainment.

"This year's Holly Bazaar will be bigger and better than ever with incredible merchandise that stays true to the impressive craftsmanship we hold so dear," Godin said. "We look forward to seeing you here."

There is no admission fee.

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.caccc.org.