Have you given enough scarves as holiday gifts through the years to melt Frosty the Snowman? Do the ghosts of Christmas gifts past haunt the corners of your closets?
If you’re looking for an alternative to giving things as gifts this holiday season, consider firing up your imagination in some unique hands-on—or feet-on—experiences to share with loved ones. Salsa dancing and glass blowing, community mural painting, contemporary chamber music and cocktails or family-friendly holiday craft making might be just the ticket for creative, clutter-free holidays.
Create-It Saturdays! Holiday Edition—Sat., Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-noon at the Ohio Craft Museum
The Ohio Craft Museum invites you to make holiday ornaments and holiday memories at Create-It Saturdays! Holiday Edition. The event is free, all materials will be supplied and helpers will be available to assist.
Short North Holiday Hop Open Walls community-made mural—Sat., Dec. 6, 12- 8 p.m. in the Short North Arts District, East 2nd Ave. to Russell St., Columbus
Each year the Short North Holiday Hop transforms Columbus’ Short North Arts District into the Short North Pole—a pedestrian-only zone for creative holiday merriment. This year attendees can participate in the Open Walls community-made mural, a temporary installation that invites the community to join in the painting. Also enjoy gallery exhibition openings of new awork by Ohio-based artists, a children’s scavenger hunt, pop-up experiences and holiday shopping.
Children’s Holiday Gift-Making Workshop—Sat., Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-3:30 p.m. at the Ohio Craft Museum
With no driver’s license and no credit card, how’s a kid supposed to make holiday gifts happen? The Ohio Craft Museum offers children a half-day workshop in which to create handmade gifts. Kids will make two different gift items, which will be wrapped to surprise and delight their recipients. A $40 fee includes the workshop and all supplies.
Chamber Brews’ inter/cepted: Cocktail Pairing with Seventh Son Brewing– Sun., Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m. at Seventh Son Brewing Co., 1101 N 4th St, Columbus, 43201
The Columbus contemporary chamber music ensemble Chamber Brews returns to Seventh Son Brewing Co. for its annual music and beverage pairing. The musicians will perform string quartet works by prominent composers Mohammed Fairouz, Terry Riley, Pauline Oliveros and visiting Denison professor Zachery S. Meier. The program, inter/cepted, explores the idea of rifts in communication and reconnecting with others through deep listening and community. A menu of cocktails inspired by each of the musical works and created by the Seventh Son staff will accompany the program. $20 per ticket.
Hot Moves, Hot Glass— Fri., 19 Dec., 6-9 p.m. with Oyo Dance Company at the Columbus Glass Art Center
A CommUnity Impact initiative from Columbus’ Oyo Dance Company, Hot Moves, Hot Glass unites the fiery sensuality of Latin dance and glassblowing in an event that will get you moving. Oyo Dance Company dancers will lead workshops in salsa, merengue and bachata moves in the Columbus Glass Art Center’s ample space. Then watch or try your hand at some glassblowing and enjoy a Latin dance party with festive snacks. $15 to dance in the workshops and watch the glassblowing. Additional fees cover hands-on glass blowing.
