20 Seattle art markets to shop at this December

Looking for a unique gift that won’t break the bank? Art markets and gallery holiday shows will help you find locally made gifts, all in one go. 

Downtown and Pioneer Square

From a charming wood engraving of a “wandering wombat” to antique maps and marine life prints, Pioneer Square’s Davidson Galleries offers a wide selection of artworks on paper, all $250 and under. (Through December; 313 Occidental Ave S.).

Nonprofit Gallery 110 showcases more than 70 discounted artworks, including portraits by Bonnie Hopper and handcrafted jewelry by Rajaa Gharbi, during its “Affordable Treasures” show. (Through Dec. 30; noon-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and by appointment; 110 Third Ave. S.) While in the neighborhood, stop by Foster/White Gallery, which has selected small works by gallery artists (through Dec. 23; 220 Third Ave. S., #100), and on Dec. 9, head downstairs to Pottery Northwest’s Holiday Market for locally made ceramics.

Find more artsy treasures at Ghost Gallery’s 17th Annual Holiday Mini Art Exhibit in downtown’s Pacific Place mall. With hundreds of tiny artworks, including a needle-felted coral garden and charming oil paintings, the show’s always a delight. (Through December; 600 Pine St., Suite 253) 

For a more DIY vibe, consider Nii Modo, where the Punk Rock Flea Market offers anything from graffiti supplies to vintage wear, ceramics and art. (3-8 p.m. Dec. 8, noon-8 p.m. Dec. 9-10; 1404 Third Ave.) Also worth a visit downtown is the Seattle Restored Winter Market, which features more than two dozen vendors selling home goods, clothing, jewelry and art (noon-6 p.m. Dec. 9; 1501 Fifth Ave.), and the Shop @ Holiday Pops market in the lobby of Benaroya Hall (noon-8 p.m. Dec. 9, noon-5 p.m. Dec. 10; 200 University St.) 

Ballard, Magnolia and Shoreline 

Don’t let its appearance fool you: The unassuming brown warehouse across from the Office Max in Ballard houses one of the longest-running art studio buildings in the neighborhood. Building C is home to more than 20 artists and makers and is opening its doors during its annual holiday open studios. (5-8 p.m. Dec. 8, 2-9 p.m. Dec. 9; 4818 14th Ave. N.W.) 

Up north, the Greenwood Art Collective opens its doors for a “Winter Wonderland” event featuring resident galleries, guest vendors, snacks, ornaments, a hot chocolate bar and a gingerbread decorating contest. (6-10 p.m. Dec. 8, 3-7 p.m. Dec 9; 8537 Greenwood Ave. N.)

The holiday pop-up sale of ceramics studio and gallery Modern Glaze is well worth the trip to Shoreline; you’ll find artsy, handmade treasures by local artists, from terra-cotta teacups to whimsical collages. (Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 16-17; 14800 Westminster Way N., Shoreline)

Also deserving a visit (with majestic views of Elliott Bay as a bonus) is the United Indians of All Tribes’ Native Art Market at Daybreak Star Cultural Center in Discovery Park, which showcases unique work — ranging from clothing to woodworking, drums, art prints, jewelry and more — by local Indigenous artists and makers. (4-7 p.m. Dec. 15, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 16-17; 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way)

And Renegade Craft — a sprawling showcase of independent artists and designers — is once again taking over Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 9-10; 6310 N.E. 74th St.)

Beacon Hill, Georgetown and Seward Park 

Beacon Hill art spaces Fresh Mochi and The Grocery Studios — which are both housed in former grocery stores and sit kitty-corner from each other — are banding together for a Holiday Pop-Up Sale (6-9 p.m. Dec. 9, 2-5 p.m. Dec. 10; The Grocery Studios, 3001 21st Ave. S.; Fresh Mochi, 2900 21st Ave. S.). Highlights include whimsical ceramic creatures by Sonja Peterson, cheerful handmade lamps by local artist Jil Smith and luscious, original wall weavings by Mandy Greer. (Guests will also be able to make their own gift wrap.)

Throughout December, Seward Park Clay Studio — housed in the brick bathhouse next to the park’s beach — is hosting its yearly Holiday Show and Sale, which allows plenty of time to browse — and buy — some of the unique pottery and gifts. (Noon-6 p.m. through Dec. 26, closed Christmas Day; 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S.)

At Georgetown’s studio e gallery, shop a selection of smaller works, including ceramics, paintings and prints (through Dec. 23; 609 S. Brandon St.). Housewright Gallery showcases holiday ornaments by renowned artist Jeffry Mitchell, as well as clay art, ceramics and home goods during the Holiday Artisan Collective (through Dec. 23; 1224 S. Bailey St.).

Side Rail Collective, an artist studio housed in a former dance hall, is hosting its third annual Holiday Art Mart, with handmade gifts and art priced under $200 (4-8 p.m. Dec. 9; 5511 1/2 Airport Way S.). In The Shed, a 1940s structure now home to a gallery and art studio, puts on various makers markets, where you can find anything from welded sculptures to ceramics (11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16, 2503 30th Ave. S.).

During Georgetown’s monthly Art Attack, Equinox Studios — a sprawling artist studio complex housed in a former industrial building — hosts its “Very Open House.” With open artist studios, bonfires, live music, dance performances, food trucks and beer gardens, this art market feels like a cool block party — emphasis on party. (3-9 p.m. Dec. 9; 6555 Fifth Ave. S.) 

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This coverage is partially underwritten by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. The Seattle Times maintains editorial control over this and all its coverage.