Art shows offer shopping for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts

If you'd like to get a jump on your holiday gifting, consider shopping local this year. You can find beautiful handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts, from jewelry to ceramics and everything in between, for sale at Brevard's many art shows and gallery events.

Here's where to look for unique art and craft items, many made by local artisans, throughout November. In some cases, you can even meet the artists while you shop.

Event details are subject to change, so we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.

Art gallery opening in Cocoa

The Artist Connection Gallery, 1222 Dixon Blvd., Cocoa, will host a grand opening celebration on Nov. 3-5. The event will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. It will include artists and their work, food trucks, a cash bar, live music and more. Admission is free. Call 321-261-4720 or email theartistagency@yahoo.com.

First Friday Art Walk in EGAD

The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) hosts a First Friday Art Walk on the first Friday of every month from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll between businesses viewing art, finding treats and mingling with artists. Visit egadlife.com.

Meet the artist at Eau Gallery

Eau Gallery, 1429 Highland Ave., in the Eau Gallie Arts District, hosts an exhibit by photographer Don Martin, the winner of the 2023 Kaleidoscope show, from Friday, Nov. 3 through Wed., Nov. 29. Walker is a local photographer known for his breathtaking photos of Florida local wildlife. There will be a First Friday reception on Friday, Nov. 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 321-253-5553 or visit eaugallery.com.

Opening reception at Studios of Cocoa Beach

The Studios of Cocoa Beach, 165 Minutemen Causeway, will host an opening reception for its latest exhibition, “Therefore I Create VII” on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to the reception to celebrate the Studios’ seventh anniversary, meet the artists and enjoy refreshments while exploring the art. The exhibition continues through Dec. 31. Admission is free. Visit studiosofcocoabeach.org.

What else is going on this weekend? Here are our top 10 picks for Nov. 3-9

Looking for even more to do? 80+ fun things to do in Brevard in November, from food festivals to art shows

Giant Christmas Bazaar in Suntree

Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Giant Christmas Bazaar at Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 N. Wickham Road, on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be over 30 vendors and local artisans offering one-of-a-kind items for sale, including stained glass bouquets, pottery and ceramics, laser-cut wooden decor, hand-woven baskets and more. A letter writing station will be available for kids who want to get their wish lists to Santa. Call 321-242-2585 or visit suntreeumc.org.

JOY Holiday craft show

The JOY women’s group will host a holiday craft show at JOY Lutheran Church, 3174 Jupiter Blvd. SE, Palm Bay, on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include crafts, gifts, Christmas items and a silent auction featuring gift baskets. Call 321-327-8400.

'Watercolors of Olde Brevard' exhibition in Eau Gallie

The Brevard Watercolor Society presents the exhibition “Watercolors of Olde Brevard” at the Eau Gallie Public Library, 1521 Pineapple Ave., Melbourne, from Nov. 6 through Dec. 2. It will include a series of watercolors based on original, pre-1955 black and white photos showing the history and life of Brevard County prior to 1955. The show includes 18 paintings, which will be available for purchase. Call 321-749-6962 or visit brevardwatercolorsociety.org.

North Brevard Art League holiday market in Titusville

The North Brevard Art League, 1421 Draa Road, Titusville, will hold a holiday artisan market on Saturday, Nov., 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will include holiday-themed art, including cards, ornaments, soaps, pottery, jewelry and more, from over a dozen artists. In honor of Veterans Day, a 10% discount will be offered on all sales with a military ID. Admission is free. Visit northbrevardartleague.com.

City Art & Crafts Show in Indian Harbour Beach

The City of Indian Harbour Beach’s annual City Art & Crafts Show will be in Gleason Park, 1233 Yacht Club Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach, on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors will display their work, including custom woodworking, handcrafted jewelry, photography, mixed media, acrylics, mosaics, knitted and crochet items, sculpture and stained glass, crafts, pottery, homemade soap and more. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/events/2576480789194828

ArtWorks festival in EGAD

ArtWorks of Eau Gallie is unique for the area, since at this art festival not only are the artists displaying their works, but often they will also be creating new ones during the show. Always held the weekend before Thanksgiving, this year's show will be in the Eau Gallie Arts District on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 18 and 19. The Authors for Authors "Meet the Authors" book fair will be in the Eau Gallie Civic Center, 1551 Highland Ave., both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit artworksofeaugallie.org, authorsforauthors.com or follow ArtWorks at facebook.com/artworksofeaugallie.

Fox Lake Winter Festival of Crafts in Titusville

The annual festival will be at Fox Lake Park, 4400 Fox Lake Park Road, Titusville, on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-friendly event features handcrafted artwork by local artisans, food trucks and more. Admission is free. Call 321-264-5037 or visit facebook.com/events/1431469467710329.

Central Brevard Art Association show and sale in Cocoa Beach

The Central Brevard Art Association will host their annual Christmas art show and sale at the Cocoa Beach Public Library, 550 N. Brevard Ave., on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. Dozens of local artists will display their work, including photography, jewelry, silks, sculpture, mixed media and more. Gift baskets will be raffled to benefit the CBAA scholarship fund. Call 321-806-8065 or visit cbaaartists.com.

Cocoa Beach Art Show

After you’ve gobbled ‘till you wobbled on Thanksgiving, plan to walk off the extra stuffing while taking in the sights and sounds of the 2023 Cocoa Beach Art Show, Nov. 24-26. It takes place in downtown Cocoa Beach, along Minutemen Causeway and Brevard Ave. The art show portion runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, but the event kicks off with a street party from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, with live music continuing throughout the festival. Admission is free. Visit cocoabeachartshow.org.

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Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Art shows and fairs offer handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts