Art Center Kicks Off 2012 Holiday Shop With Shop & Champagne

Birmingham and Bloomfield-area shoppers looking for unique holiday gifts should look no further than the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) and their annual Holiday Shop, set to open this Friday.

"We're ready to kick off the holiday season with authentic and affordable artist-created items sure to please everyone on your list," said Annie VanGelderen, president and CEO of the BBAC.

Items for sale at this year's Holiday Shop includes jewelry, ceramics, wood and fiber art, home decor, children's fashions, holiday ornaments, glass sculptures, paintings, Judaica and more.

"Holiday Shop offers shoppers the chance to support the arts and support our regional art center," she added. "Unique gifts start at $5 (prices go up through the hundreds) and will charm traditionalist, the hard-to-buy-for relatives, the avid art collector, teachers and everyone else on your list."

To officially launch the 2012 Holiday Shop, the BBAC will host its 11th annual Shop & Champagne fundraiser Wednesday, which not only givers shoppers a sneak preview of the goodies available but also gives back to the art center's community outreach programs.

From 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Shop & Champagne will shine a spotlight on the work at the BBAC while also highligting food from a variety of local restaurants, including 220, Brooklyn Pizza, Cafe Via, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, Schakolad Birmingham Chocolate and Streetside Seafood.

Plus, those attending the special launch party will receive 10 percent off all merchandise at the Holiday Shop good for that night only.

The Holiday Shop opens at 10 a.m. Friday and lasts though Dec. 15. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets to Shop & Champagne are available for $75 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased ahead of time at the BBAC's website. Patron tickets are $125 each. Chic holiday attire is required and valet parking is complimentary.