Van Gogh's Secret Studio

When my son attended Lincoln Elementary School, the PTA would host a special shop for kids to pick out Christmas presents for family and family.

I volunteered to be a helper once or twice and it was nice to see the kids get as excited about buying something for Christmas as they were about getting something.

The merchandise was through one of the traditional fundraising firms and helped raise money for the PTA. 'Nuff said.

A similar experience can be had downtown this season, which will allow you to support a local non-profit business and include open up something Christmas morning other than a mug which say "World Greatest Dad" ... which is not to say I don't like that mug son ....

On two Saturday,s Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, the Gallery School of Pottstown will play host to "Van Gogh's Secret Studio" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Now in it's second year, the secret studio is a special shopping opportunity for kids 12 and younger at Gallery on High, 245 E. High St.

"Galaxy on High" by Jane Debow Gridley

The young gifters can choose from a selection of handcrafted gifts ranging in price from $1 to $5 and volunteers will be on hand to help them shop and stay on-budget.

Also a bonus, all gifts will be wrapped.

Children younger than 5 must be accompanied by an adult, but mom or dad can browse the gallery's other offerings while a volunteer elf helps the young one pick out a present.

While you're there, check out this year's holiday show, "Peace," which will be on display through Jan. 7.

You can even download and print a special shopping list for the young consumer by clicking here.

If you have any questions, give the folks at the Gallery a call at 610-326-2506, send them an e-mail to info@galleryonhigh.com or visit their web site at www.galleryonhigh.org or by clicking here.


Give it a try and make this year's holiday shopping experience a work of art ... (OK, that was bad.)