WATSONVILLE—Two local arts organizations are hosting a four-day Holiday Boutique this week at the historic Porter Building in downtown Watsonville.
Arte Del Corazón (ADC), a group that has been staging open-air art shows, markets and events throughout Watsonville since 2019, is organizing the boutique with Pajaro Valley Arts (PVA), who acquired the Porter Building earlier this year.
The event, which will be held Wednesday-Saturday, noon to 7pm, features artists from Watsonville and other areas of Santa Cruz County, as well as Castroville, Salinas and beyond. Items such as table runners, aprons, knitted wear, ceramics, jewelry, artwork, specialty foods and more will be available to purchase.
Organizer Monica Galvan said she had been in conversation with PVA’s director Valeria Miranda and Judy Stabile about doing more at the Porter Building, which is still under refurbishment.
“We had done a boutique at the other gallery,” she said. “It was small, but we still had a lot of fun. We thought, ‘Let’s do it again, at the Porter this time.’”
The event is also an opportunity for ADC to try out a more long-term retail venture, Galvan said. The group is looking to open a brick-and-mortar location in Watsonville in the next year.
“This is a perfect test,” she said, “and a way to get to know the community. It’s not just a pop up where people have to set up and break down in one day. And it’ll be great to give artists a chance to sell for the holiday season.”
The Holiday Boutique will be open Wednesday-Saturday, noon to 7pm at the Porter Building, 280 Main St.. A holiday celebration will be held at the end Saturday from 5-7pm, with food and more.
In addition to this week’s event, ADC will launch its “Art After Dark” series on Dec. 16, which will feature local art, live music, and festive drinks at El Ateño Restaurant from 5-9:30pm.
For information, visit artedelcorazon.com or follow on social media.
