Dessert on Canvas in Woodstock

Well, it’s that time of year again—time for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild’s Annual 5 by 7 Show. If you can believe it, this is the Guild’s 9th year hosting this little benefit that has become one of the biggest events for artists in the Hudson Valley.

Sponsored by TD Banknorth, WBG’s holiday benefit exhibition kicks off with a preview party tomorrow night, December 5 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. This will be the third time I have had a chance to check-out the cool and unusual art at the Kleinert/James Arts Center and I’m even more excited to see what the show has in store this year. What I do know is that yours truly is fortunate enough to have a piece it in as well.

Apart from the art (that rhymes!), the cool thing about this very special evening is that the majority of the businesses in the village of Woodstock deck their halls making everything all holiday-ish. To top it off, they serve patrons wine, cheese and lots of cheer. Be sure to go to the Guild first because the line for the show always forms early. Once the doors open, you’ll be asked to pay a $10 admission fee. This, of course, benefits the programs sponsored by the WBG. Be sure to bring a pad and pen so that you can quickly, and I do mean QUICKLY write down the numbers of your favorite pieces so that you can make a mad dash to the front of the line to find out which artist--some famous, some not—you’ve bought! More than 200 prominent artists from the Hudson Valley and beyond participate, including Gregory Amenoff, Nancy Azara, Jake Berthot, Donald Elder, Heather Hutchison, Melissa Meyer, Portia Munson, Jenny Nelson, and Joan Snyder. Each piece is only $100. And for the reasonable price, you might just go home knowing you’ve garnered a little treasure and given to a fabulous cause. Be aware, though that all pieces remain at the gallery on display through the month of December.

If you you happen to be lucky enough to snag a room at one of the local B & Bs in Woodstock for the night(check out http://www.woodstockchamber.com/lodging.html for lodging), check out the gorgeous new Byrdcliffe Gift Shop at the Guild on Saturday. There you can find even more artistic offerings from some of the best artisans in the Hudson Valley.