Rockford Art Museum Store took a new spin on holiday items this year by featuring 10 different local artists' work in the store. Also at the RAM Store are contemporary knit vests and scarves by Sean Gibbons and Casey Giglio, and adorable children's sweaters and hats from The Yarn Sellar.

RAM Talks Art: Downtown Hometown Holiday shopping event Dec. 11-14

By Carrie Breitbach, Customer Service Coordinator, Rockford Art Museum


Well, the holiday season is upon us again.

Last year, I opened up to you about all of the wonderful museum stores and other unique gift shops in the Rockford region. This year, I decided to pontificate about another cool event happening in the downtown Rockford area.

The event I'm talking about is the Hometown Holiday shopping event Dec. 11-14. It incorporates four stores, all within minutes of each other—Rockford Art Museum Store, J.R. Kortman Center for Design, Coronado Corner Gift Shop and JustGoods. If you are looking for something unique and special, you are certain to find it at any of these stores.

So, while I have your attention for a minute, I will fill you in on some of the wares you can find at these stores.

Rockford Art Museum Store took a new spin on holiday items this year by featuring 10 different local artists' work in the store. The artists include John Verl McNamara's metal work, featuring an amazing one-of-a-kind bed that is on display, flanked by stunning candelabras and modern pedestals.

On the other end of the spectrum, you've got Norm Knott's colorful beaded boxes, Betsy Youngquist's beaded objects, and Michelle Dorr's whimsical pet portraits and martini pictures lighting up the place. Mary McNamara Bernsten's new children's oil paintings incorporate vivid colors and fun scenes inspired by her sons' artwork. Perfect for any kid's room. Arnold Kinast amazes me with his glasswork—melted glass adorns everyday tools, creating ironic sculptures that are hilarious and amazing at the same time. Ginny Hatwich and Diane Rose Dailing produce beautiful pottery, both functional and non-functional.

Also at the RAM Store are contemporary knit vests and scarves by Sean Gibbons and Casey Giglio, and adorable children's sweaters and hats from The Yarn Sellar. So, if you are interested in supporting local artists and the museum, come check out the Rockford Art Museum Store.

JR Kortman's is never a bore. From the sleek Alessi line to the quirky impulse buys, Kortman's has something for everyone. You could spend hours perusing this store, marveling at all of the different pieces picked up from Doc's travels ranging from chocolate to Peruvian coasters. Doc and Jerry's impeccable taste and flair have made this store one of the best. Also a huge perk of this store...free gift wrapping, done by world-renowned wrapper Jerry Kortman.

Coronado Corner is also a great store. Two of my favorite things really make this store a favorite of mine…purses and jewelry. The elegant purses and jewelry are just the cherry on top. Believe me, this is not the only thing this store encompasses. Scarves, stationery and CDs are just a few of the other items you can find at this downtown landmark.

Last, but certainly not least, is JustGoods, the fair trade store on Seventh Street. JustGoods offers a large array of eclectic gifts from different countries. One of my favorite items there are their unique bowls and platters made with folded paper. Different colors and patterns make this an excellent gift.

So, in summation, check out the Hometown Holiday shopping event going on in downtown Rockford Dec. 11-14. All four stores offer amazing gifts at great prices. Socks? Underwear? Not this year, my friend. Get something they're sure to love.

Shop your local stores downtown; support Rockford's finest.

Contact Rockford Art Museum Customer Service Coordinator Carrie Breitbach at cjohnson@rockfordartmuseum.org.

from the Dec. 3-9, 2008, issue

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