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Jan Gunning brings new life to upcycled ornaments — creating wreaths or trees to help people bring holiday joy to their homes or gift to others.
Whether she gets ornaments at thrift stores and garage sales or receives them from customers who have bought her wreaths, she likes combining colors and textures to make something beautiful and sentimental for people to gift to loved ones or keep in their own homes as decorations.
“I’m happy to know someone is enjoying my work,” says Gunning, of Macomb Township. “I have had people bring their ornaments from their childhood or from a deceased relative and made wreaths for them so they can remember those happy times. (It is) quite emotional and satisfying at the same time knowing I was a part of those memories.”
She began making decorations for different holidays when she retired eight years ago. She started out with ornaments she had on hand.
Gunning says she provides one-of-a-kind designs, and that religious ones “are always a big hit.” She also says she finds inspiration in candy, sports and color combinations.
“I have always loved the holidays and the bright decorations that were on display. I try to pick themes,” she says.
As an artist and volunteer, Gunning has been involved with Anton Art Center for the past five years and says she always looks forward to participating in its annual holiday market.
“I have made many new friends by volunteering at the Anton Art Center,” Gunning says. “It’s a happy place. The building is gorgeous and has withstood many years. We are lucky to have it.”
Though it will look a little different this year, set up as virtual with limited inperson hours, she says she is excited to share her pieces and hopes it brings customers to benefit the center financially amid the pandemic.
“I always send my best work to the Anton Art Center Holiday Market,” Gunning says. “I must admit that I am going to miss the festive market from past years. The online store will still have quality art featured, but nothing beats seeing it beautifully assembled in those galleries.”
Phil Gilchrist, executive director for Anton Art Center, says they decided early to use their new online Art Market set-up for the Holiday Market as well.
As the pandemic continues, he wanted to make sure everyone who spent time there would stay safe, so limited in-person shopping will go on with safety procedures in place, including screenings, mask-wearing, sanitizing, low- occupancy and distancing.
But with the market being mainly online, people from Metro Detroit and beyond can purchase pieces from local artists, with free shipping on orders of $75 or more.
Gilchrist says making online purchases by Dec. 14 is recommended for gifts to arrive in time for Christmas.
“Similar to many online retailers, our online Holiday Market will include a variety of artistic media and items — home decor, gifts, fine art, holiday items, fiber art, jewelry and other wearable items, and more,” Gilchrist says. “Shoppers will be able to browse different categories, or view the entire inventory to find the best item for their needs.”
In 2019, the market earned about $45,000 for participating artists, so he says it’s the “biggest single sales generator for area artists each year.”
“Sales also support Anton Art Center core programs, such as our regular exhibits and community education and arts participation programming,” Gilchrist says. “Shopping small and supporting local artists is more important than ever — making purchases locally helps to support your local economy and community.”