Studio By The Tracks, a nonprofit organization in Irondale that serves artists on the Autism spectrum, is gearing up for their annual Holiday Open House sale coming up the week before Thanksgiving. The Studio will open their doors and invite the community into the space where their artists create to shop unique artwork made by SBTT artists. The organization provides studio space, materials and guidance to their adult artists as they create unique works of art. Artists receive a 60% commission for the sale of their works at the organization’s seasonal art shows and at the recently opened retail store at their studio location in downtown Irondale.

“If you’re looking for meaningful gifts for your loved ones this year, this is a really good place to find them!” says Danielle Dyar, an art instructor at the studio. “Not only will you be giving the gift of a handmade work of art, but the artist will receive 60% of the sale directly. The rest just goes back into the studio to keep providing a safe place for self expression, as well as social and professional opportunities for these really talented artists.” The Holiday Open House sale will feature a large selection of both framed and unframed drawings and paintings, ceramics including dishware, vases, plates, angels and trees, and merchandise designed by SBTT artists like t-shirts, coffee mugs, pint glasses, pillows, scarves, notepads, totes, and socks.

Katie Thompson, Studio By The Tracks’ Director of Marketing and Partnerships says, “We’ve decided to do things a little differently this year in order to accommodate the growing demand for our artists’ works. If you’ve ever been to our holiday sale before, you know that we draw a huge crowd and that elbow room can be hard to come by. This year, we’re hoping to create a more enjoyable shopping experience by extending our sale hours and making the Holiday Open House a two-day event, while also providing SBTT Members with a special early shopping opportunity!” On Thursday November 21st from 5-7pm, a Members-Only Preview Sale will be hosted with complimentary refreshments, and then on Saturday November 23rd, the studio will be open from 10am to 3pm for the General Admission Open House, which anyone can attend for free.

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a member so you can get first dibs on all the best artwork and gifts at the Thursday night Members-Only Preview Sale (plus a lot of other awesome perks and swag), please visit www.studiobythetracks.org/membership.

Here’s a gift guide and sneak peak at just some of the special things you’ll find for sale at this year’s Holiday Open House:

1. Scarves ($55)

Fluid and beautiful draped scarves are the perfect way to wear art on the go. They are soft and sheer, which makes them wearable in the fall, winter, AND spring! These scarves feature the artwork of SBTT artist, John Miller. His work has been collected by Studio supporters for years! This is a great way to own and show off your own John Miller.

2. Tote Bags ($32)

We have brand new tote bags this year! Two, in fact. We have Monika Woody’s colorful circles and Art Horton’s grey scale dots to choose from. Both Monika and Art have been artists at the Studio for about 25 years. They have also both shown at fine galleries and have sold work through out the country. Each tote design is printed vibrantly on canvas-textured polyester. Which means they’re easy to care for. Just throw it in the washer and dryer and it’s ready to go again! Our totes feature black or yellow cotton webbed 1” straps. Long enough to carry comfortably on your shoulder.  These makes gifts, for yourself or someone on your list.

3. Super Dog Socks ($18)

We dare you not to fall in love with these playful (but still classy) knitted socks featuring Michael Hall’s classic Super Dog character design. They are extremely comfortable high quality knitted cotton, made in the USA! The bottoms of these one-size-fits-most socks display the Studio By The Tracks logo.  These make ideal stocking stuffers and Dirty Santa gifts!

4. Original Framed Artwork (starting at $20)

Studio By The Tracks serves 45+ adult artists with autism spectrum disorders each week. And each week these artists create work that deserves a fully framed presentation. You won’t find pieces of art like these anywhere else. Don’t forget! When you buy original artwork, the artist receives a 60% commission. These are the kinds of gifts that will make anyone happy.

5. Original Unframed Artwork  (starting at $10)

We have a large selection of unframed work from our artists. So if you need a gift that’s easy to travel with, or if you’re not sure about your recipient’s taste in frames, these are perfect. The selection is huge – so you’re sure to find the right piece. And since they start off at a low price-point, you’re sure to find the right dollar amount too.

6. Field Notebooks ($4)Everyone loves a field notebook. These 6.5″ x 3” 24-page unlined field notebook feature a wrap-around art piece by Monika Woody. The affordable price makes them an easy add-on to other gifts from the Studio that you may be giving this year. Or if you need a low cost gift to give multiple people in your family or office, these are great for everyone!

7. Handmade and Hand-Glazed Ceramics (starting at $12)

Our ceramics studio is a big part of our programming at the Studio. Our artists have access to clay, glazes, and our in-house kiln enabling them to create 3D works. Hand glazed dinner plates, snack bowls, and serving platters make for one-of-a-kind gifts full of cheer. A lot of our supporters are already familiar with Melvin Roscoe’s “Praise The Lard” platters and Michael Hall’s Father Christmas plates. We have those classics in addition to a lot of new exciting ceramic treasures. One crowd favorites that has become a go-to gift is our series of hand built ceramic angels. They’re refined enough for a mantel-scape, while still being unique enough to stop your dinner guests in their tracks.

8. T-Shirts ($20 youth, $25 adult)

We have six designs to choose from! All of our shirts feature a bold image created by an artist at Studio By The Tracks on the front, and a small SBTT logo on the back. Some are funny, some are cute, and some are just plain cool! We carry sizes ranging from small to XXL. So a good fit is guaranteed.

9. The Ten Commandments of Coffee Mug ($12)

Do you have someone on your list that takes their coffee VERY seriously? Then they will love the humor of one of Melvin Roscoe’s “10 Commandments of Coffee” mugs to sip from every morning. Thy shall give this gift to their favorite coffee lover!

10. Virtual or Physical Gift Cards (any amount)

Ok – here’s a gift giving pro-tip: pick out a special small gift (like any that we’ve listed here) and really wow the person you’re giving it to with a gift card. That way, you’re relieved of the pressure that comes with picking out the perfect thing, and they get to come see and explore our Studio Store themselves! Trust us – shopping is half of the fun.

Visit studiobythetracks.org for more information about the organization and the people they serve. More details on this year’s Holiday Open House can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/417181215666606/