The Newton Street Art Barn in Tay Township has defined the ‘shop-local’ motto as it has showcased and sold the creations of local artists for the past nine years.
More than 425 local artists have consigned work in the barn at 2406 Newton St., a non-profit enterprise.
The store is closing on Dec. 23, due to changes with the ownership of the property.
“This is coming into our busiest season, so it will be the artists’ last opportunity to sell as much as they can before the end of the year,” said store owner Paula Lauzon.
Everyone is welcome to come and shop for Christmas or pick up unique items for themselves before then, said Lauzon.
There is a huge assortment of handmade items for sale in the barn including paintings, stained glass, bath bombs, soaps, aromatherapy oils, photography, wood work, charcuterie boards, indoor and outdoor art signs, jewelry, pottery, dried flowers, garlic, vases, knit booties for babies and children, blankets and quilts, homemade clothing and hand bags, candles, drink coasters and more.
Christmas specific items will be coming in after Remembrance Day, Lauzon explained.
About 80 per cent of the artists live in Tiny, Tay, Midland and Penetanguishene and others cottage in the area, she said.
With the Newton Street Art Barn closing, there is no other similar enterprise in the north end of Simcoe County, said Lauzon.
“There is a great need for something like this in the area,” said Lauzon, who is not retiring.
“I plan to continue on in some fashion with something similar but different,” she said, not wanting to give away any details of a prospective new venture.
Similar shops in the region include The Tiny Art Shack at 34 Queen St. W., Elmvale and The Artisan Boutique at 130 Dunlop St. E. in Barrie.
There’s also the Simcoe Makers Market that showcases vendors’ creations at special events. The next event is the third annual Simcoe Makers Market Shopping Around the Christmas Trees at Ayers Tree Farm at 3065 Line 10 N, Oro-Medonte Twp. on Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.