While researching the idea of shopping locally, and destinations to do so in South Jersey, we kept coming across a term with a similar theme – “Giving Artfully.”
Quite simply, it’s the idea of buying art and locally-made artisanal items to give as thoughtfully-considered gifts in opposition to the blind consumerism that can sometimes overtake the joyful spirit intended for the holiday season.
At the Village on High in Millville, you can find an entire shopping center dedicated to that very notion.
The Village is made up of rows of adorable little cottages built out to house shops and artist studios and galleries. Stroll their courtyard and pop into the shops to chat with the store owners and artists who do business there.
We’ve just learned that the village will be welcoming a new resident soon, providing yet another shop to explore, as Janucapri Eclectic Designs will be holding their grand opening on Fri., Nov. 21.
They’ll be joining the likes of An Octopus’s Garden, a long-tenured shop and art gallery at the Village, where they display and sell the creations of well over 100 artists.
If you work up a hunger while searching for the perfect gifts, you could also stop in for a bite at the lovely vegan restaurant Wildflower Cafe.
The Village often holds events at their location, and participates in those organized by other arts groups in Millville, and they’ll be participating in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29.
While visiting the Village you can continue your hunt for unique gifts of art just across the street at DC Gallery + Studio or just down the street at the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts, who, appropriately enough, will be hosting their own Artful Giving Exhibition at their gallery, Nov. 21 through Dec. 31.