It’s now November—the temperatures are dropping, the days shortening, and we are moving towards the holiday season once again. This year, join State of the Arts in supporting New Jersey’s local artists, musicians, and community spaces while gathering inspiration for your holiday shopping lists.
“It’s very rewarding to see your work and to know it came from a little piece of clay.”
– Susan Privitera, Artist at Mudgirls Studios
Mudgirls Studios in Atlantic City has opened their online holiday shop. Always a treasure trove, this year they’ve released a heartwarming seasonal ornament honoring the natural resilience of the pine cone. Want to see for yourself? Head to the MudGirls Studios Holiday Sale on Sat., Dec. 5 at Josie Kelly’s Public House in Somers Point. Feeling inspired to create something yourself? Keep your eye on their calendar for workshops—the perfect chance to handcraft a special gift.
You can also check out other local holiday markets, like the one NJPAC in Newark is hosting throughout December. Prefer online shopping? A giftcard to renowned basketmaker Mary May‘s online shop is another unique option.
“Our number one priority is, can you access this, can you step into someone else’s world, by way of this book?”
– Gabriel Cleveland, Executive Director of CavanKerry Press
It’s the coziest time of the year, too, full of peaceful moments to curl up with a good book. Poetry lovers are completely at home here in New Jersey. CavanKerry Press, for instance, publishes gorgeous tomes that you can peruse in their online shop. We visited the not-for-profit literary press back in 2025 and featured them on a previous blog.
And if there’s another iconic creative scene in New Jersey, it’s definitely music. Nothing beats a new album or a pair of concert tickets as a holiday gift. The group Jackson Pines, featured on State of the Arts in 2018, has a new album out. With thoughtfully-crafted songs steeped in Pine Barrens culture, their discography is the perfect home for a New Jersey musicophile. Plus, did you know that guitarist and vocalist Joe Makoviecki wrote a book? Check it out here.
“[WheatonArts] is an insitution that’s hosting artists. The work’s being made here, being conceived here. It’s emanating from here.”
– Hank Murta Adams, Artist
The gift of a shared experience is always appreciated, and we’ve got plenty of special options here in New Jersey’s creative spaces.
WheatonArts, who we have featured several times over the years, is holding their Holiday Studio Sale Nov. 27-Dec. 6, with ceramic and glass creations available. You can also purchase tickets for admission—or, for the creative person on your gift list, to workshops in a variety of mediums, from glassmaking to off-loom weaving.
Peters Valley, another State of the Arts favorite, is hosting their Handmade Holiday Event through Dec. 31, or you can visit their online shop.
As we head into the holiday season, the State of the Arts team is grateful for your ongoing support of our program and the artists we highlight. We invite you to wander through our archives, full of fascinating local tales, as you gather your wish lists and plan your winter season.
After all, what’s more inspiring than sharing the gift of art?
