Amid Covid-19 Crisis, Artists Take Aim at Black Friday

United by the fast-growing Artists Sunday movement, artists battle big-box mentality with deals and events encouraging shoppers to buy art as meaningful holiday gifts

Nov. 16, 2020 — Back off Black Friday. See ya later Cyber Monday. Artists across the nation are banding together to offer holiday shoppers deals and sales that represent alternatives to big-box stores and big-box online shopping.

Sales, specials, and discounts are now available on a wide range of art and one-of-a-kind handcrafted items — just as shoppers are gearing up for the biggest shopping weekend of the year.

The effort kicks off the inaugural Artists Sunday®, the national art-shopping blitz taking place the Sunday after Thanksgiving (Nov 29, 2020). More than 3,500 artists and 500 communities across the country are participating, offering special events, promotions and deals on art, crafts and handmade items.

“Artists are offering some great bargains – doorbusters if you will – including free shipping, solid discounts on purchase, and more,” said Christopher Sherman, founder of Artists Sunday. “Plus, there is a full range of both virtual and in-person events taking place across the country —  both leading up to and on Artists Sunday.”

Shoppers can quickly search for deals and activities in their own communities in Artists Sunday directory of Sales, Specials Events and Promotions.

Some select individual artist sales and discounts, as well as highlights of events and activities around the country,  are also listed below.

“What all these activities have in common is the theme of encouraging consumers to think about art as great gifts, and shop with local artists,” Sherman said. “Look beyond the cookie-cutter gifts of Black Friday and buy unique holiday gifts that have meaning and offer a lasting connection with friends and loved ones.”

Select artist sales and promotions

10% OFF Original Artwork! – Wine Foil Artist Amelia Sherritt – Seattle, WA
10% off plus FREE shipping on all items – Jean Rill-Alberto – Middletown, CT
15% discount – Lydia’s Greeting cards, Ceramic Tiles – Marlton, NJ
15% off All Embroidery – Michelle Hawran Illustration – Windsor, CT
15% off Holiday Sale – Alaska Rug Company – Kodiak, AK
20% Off All Prints – Lorraine Watry – Colorado Springs, CO
20% off Canvases and Prints – Connie Pyatt Photography – Brigantine, NJ
20% off for AS2020 – Jen Sterling Art – Annapolis, MD
22% Off Holiday Sale! – Tiana Traffas Art – La Crosse, WI
50% OFF – Ryan Gianelloni – New Orleans, LA
Free Dino Painting Wrapping Paper with orders over $100 – Casa Grande, AZ

Communities across the country showcasing their local artists on Artists Sunday weekend. Select events include:

Millville, NJ:  Artful Giving Holiday Shop
Mancos, CO:  Artists Sunday Holiday Market
Issaquah, WA:  Historically Hip Artisan Market
McKinney, TX:  Yuletide Art Market
Danbury, CT: Keep the Arts Alive
Granite Falls, MN: Makers on the Minnesota Holiday Market
Berkley, MI: Shop and Win – Berkley DDA
Lafayette, TN: Artists Sunday Celebration – Macon County

Virtual events are also taking place across the country, including:

Holiday Maker Mart – Howard County Arts Council
Welcome to California – California Art Club
World Travel in Art – Clifton Arts Center Gallery
WAG off the Walls! – Westport Art Group
Homefront’s ArtJam for the Holidays
Craft Bash 2020 – American Craft Council
2020 Virtual Nutcracker Faire – Homer Council on the Arts

For more information visit: https://ArtistsSunday.com/.

About Artists Sunday

Artists Sunday is a nationwide alliance of professional artists, non-profit agencies, community organizations, and sponsors encouraging consumers to shop with artists, artisans and craftspeople. This artist-focused day takes place annually on the Sunday after Thanksgiving – the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Shoppers support local professional artists, find unique, personal gifts for their loved ones, and purchase something handmade. To learn more about Artists Sunday artists, partners, sponsors, or get involved visit ArtistsSunday.com.  #ArtistsSunday #ShopArt