Annual Holiday Sale

Before Hurricane Helene thundered into Western North Carolina, the Madison County Arts Council (MCAC) had scheduled a Yuletide bazaar for its downtown Marshall gallery in December. But that all changed when the French Broad River breached its banks. “We had about six feet of water in our first-floor gallery during Hurricane Helene,” says Erich Hubner, executive director of MCAC. “Since the storm, tons of mud and debris have been removed from the building, and it has been stripped down to the studs. Our building has been deemed structurally sound, but we have a long road ahead before we can host events in the space.” That said, the festive fête is instead being hosted at Mars Landing Galleries in neighboring Mars Hill. For the market, Kristen Muñoz of Moon Girl Glass has crafted a series of hand-blown glass ornaments inspired by the flora of Appalachia. “We have an abundance of wildflowers, and it always amazes me how Mother Nature herself chooses to grow flowers of complementary colors next to each other,” says Muñoz. “She is the O.G. artist, in my opinion. I just mimic her.” Other artists will bring ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, paintings, and other handmade goods. The event runs through December 21.