That’s the idea behind an arts sale and soiree sponsored by Saranac Lake ArtWorks, to be held at the Hotel Saranac on Friday, Nov. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m.

“We have more than 30 artists participating and can’t think of a more relaxing and inspiring way to shop on the day after Thanksgiving,” said Sandra Hildreth, one of the founders of ArtWorks, a not-for-profit cultural arts organization based in Saranac Lake.

“The hotel ballroom is an elegant setting for this event and we will also be using the great room for our fireside poetry readings that evening.

“This event serves as a kickoff to Small Business Saturday,” said Hildreth, who encouraged shoppers to patronize small and family-owned businesses.

A scarf by Cris Winters of Art at the Pink House is among the many works of art that will be on display at an arts sale and soiree sponsored by Saranac Lake ArtWorks, to be held at the Hotel Saranac on Friday, Nov. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. (Provided photo)

Normally, the Nov. 29 weekend would be the final weekend of ArtWorks Annual Studio Tour Series; but instead of traveling to each artist’s studio, ArtWorks has invited artists to come together with their work at the Ballroom in The Hotel Saranac so that North Country residents and visitors may come together for a cultural bash and have the opportunity to buy fine art at the same time.

The event will feature more than paintings … there will be fused glass pieces, photography, works made from collections in nature, sculpture, as well as music from local musician Joe Dockery.

There will also be poetry readings by: Phil Gallos (author of By Foot in the Adirondacks and Cure Cottages of Saranac Lake); Roger Mitchell (author of numerous books of poetry, including Letters from Siberia and Other Poems, A Clear Space on a Cold Day, Braid, Delicate Bait, and Lemon Peeled the Moment Before: New & Selected Poems 1967-2008; and Craig Milewski (Adirondack poet, biologist, ecologist and professor).

Admission is $15 and includes a sparkling beverage and some of the Hotel Saranac’s finger foods, as well as the opportunity to meet and talk to area artists and perhaps purchase Adirondack-produced art in time for holiday gift giving.

Tickets to the event may be purchased online or at the gift store at the Hotel Saranac.

For more information, email info@saranaclakeartworks.com or call 518-832-0081 or visit www.saranaclakeartworks.com.