Artists' works Made in Memphis

"Cake," by collage artist Alisa Houseal Botto, one of the more than 30 local artists participating.

Over the last few weeks, a group of local artists have been working overtime to transform the former site of the Humane Society at 2238 Central into a showplace for their work.

Tonight, the Made in Memphis arts collective will open the doors for the 18th annual holiday show, which runs through Dec. 24.

"Cake," by collage artist Alisa Houseal Botto, one of the more than 30 local artists participating.

In previous years, these potters, jewelers, photographers and artists have sold their work at short-term galleries like the Midtown Artists Market and the MAM Gallery.

"The first holiday show we had was in someone's backyard on Peabody. We've been at locations Downtown, in Overton Square and in Poplar Plaza. One year, we were in the site where Bosco's is now, and we had to bring our own heaters. It was fun; this is the only period all year where us artists can spend time with each other," says longtime Cooper-Young resident Lizi Beard-Ward, who will be selling digital images and revamped "King Pin" bowling pin gifts this year.

Chuck Parr, a vintage collector who sells lamps, ashtrays, and objects d'art, says that the group lucked into their current site, which was recently renovated by Central Liquors, located across the street at 2159 Central.

"They prepared it to be the new Central Liquors, but it's 400 feet too close to Fairview Junior High School," says Parr. "It was the best place with a lot of room that we could find."

More than 30 local artists are participating in the holiday show, including collage artist Alisa Houseal Botto, painter Julia Baker Bell, jeweler Katie Dann, furniture maker Cheryl Hazelton and ceramist Jen Winfrey.

Aside from avoiding the hubbub at area malls, Christmas shopping with local artists has its own reward, says Beard-Ward.

"Not everybody wants to walk in the mall and buy something (mass-produced)," she says. "I shop from the holiday show, and give presents from there, because I'd rather have something that was created hands-on. It tells me that you've got good taste."

Made in Memphis Holiday Show

Opening 6-9 p.m. Friday (12/5) at 2238 Central, with live music from Jim Duckworth and Jim Spake. The show runs through Dec. 24. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. For details, go online to memphisartscollective.com.

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