Arts of the Pamlico is known for its exhibits and concerts, its theater productions and movies. This holiday season, however, AOP is also known as a great place to pick up a gift and help out local arts organizations.

While several festively decorated Christmas trees are on exhibit at AOP’s home in the Turnage Theatre, three offer ornaments for sale. Sponsored by the Natural Fibers Group, Pamlico River Quilters’ Guild and the Beaufort County Choral Society, most of the ornaments are handmade by those groups’ members and the sales of each go directly back to their organizations, without a commission taken by AOP.

“There’s some really great work,” said Thad Aley, AOP’s events and exhibits coordinator. “It’s pretty amazing that you can get a little piece of art for your tree, if you don’t want to buy a big piece of art.”

Tiny seashell and native grass wreaths, ceramic angels, stars crafted from the pages of old hymnals, quilted Christmas stockings, snowmen and more, the ornaments start at $2 and have been quite a hit for those seeking small gifts for family and friends, Aley said.

AOP has featured festivals of trees in the past, but this is the first time those participating are all selling their ornaments.

“And for the choral society, it’s the one bit of fundraising they do,” Aley said.

The trees also have a colorful background in the Pamlico River Quilters’ Guild show currently on display in the theater’s gallery. Aley said 95-percent of the quilts are for sale, and range in size to small wall art to single bed-sized quilts. This year’s exhibit brought in so many submissions, Aley said he couldn’t find room for them all. Since they’ve been on display, however, he’s had to fill gaps in the exhibit due to the brisk sales.

 

“There are so many patterns and colors and themes — it’s just an amazing display,” he said.

The Pamlico River Quilters’ Guild show will be on display, and for sale, throughout the month of December.

Arts of the Pamlico is located 150 W. Main St., Washington.