Cleanse Your Soul while Holiday Gift-buying

December is the perfect month to mix a little culture with your holiday shopping. Within a short drive of the Inn at the Canal, you'll find a variety of art galleries offering experiences to meet everyone's interests (including those who don't like art galleries) and a source for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.

Art lovers can stroll through the galleries at their leisure to enjoy the creativity of local artists. Some galleries offer a guided tour for those who want to learn about a specific artist or artistic talent. For those who prefer a more "hands-on" approach to art, there are classes available and even a walk-in option to create your own masterpiece. Most galleries sell the artists' work—making December a great time to find gifts that add some color and creativity to a space (and perhaps cleanse the soul as well).

Following is a selection of area galleries. Visit their websites for more details, including hours and COVID restrictions.

Cecil County Arts Council (CCAC)
Throughout December, the Cecil County Arts Council will showcase the works from dozens of area artists and feature unique, handcrafted items perfect for gifts at its annual Holiday Art Mart. Visitors can also explore the 4th Annual Wonderland of Wreaths—open during the Council's regular hours, December 2 – 27. Elkton is a short 10-minute drive from the Inn at the Canal. (See two additional  art destinations in Elkton below.)

135 East Main Street
Elkton, MD 21921
(410) 392-5740

Newark Arts Alliance
From November 23 through December 31, the Newark Arts Alliance hosts a free Holiday Art Market featuring 13 local artists selling ceramics, jewelry, fused glass, acrylic paintings, wire sculpture, cards, clay monoprints, dyed wearables, soaps and lotions, home goods, ornaments and dolls. Other arts, including drawings, painting, prints, photography and more, is available in the Members' Gallery Shop. Newark is a 30-minute drive north of Chesapeake City.

276 E. Main St. Ste. 102
Newark, DE 19711 
(302) 266-7266

Art Space On Main – A Clay Community
Art Space on Main is a working pottery studio, member's gallery and gift shop with roughly 30 on-site artisans. Visitors are welcome to take a studio tour to learn more about how the artisans transform a chunk of mud into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted piece of art.

138 W. Main St.
Elkton, Maryland 21921
(410) 620-2464

Arts by the Bay Gallery
Voted Harford's County's Best Art Gallery in 2016, Arts by the Bay Gallery is a cooperative representing a diverse group of artists. The Gallery offers workshops, lectures, seminars and art demonstrations. Stop by to see the array of artwork or pick out a unique gift for someone special. Havre de Grace is a 30-minute drive from Chesapeake City.

307 St. John Street
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
(410) 409-1336

The Palette & The Page
The Palette & The Page is a woman-owned gallery featuring art by local artists of various mediums, including photographs, prints, mixed media, oils, watercolors and more. Gallery exhibits change monthly with a "First Friday" event where visitors can meet the artists, enjoy live music, and sample tasty treats. For those looking for a more varied cultural experience, The Palette & Page also features books by local authors, the music of local singer/songwriters, and gently used books.

120 East Main St.
Elkton, MD 21921
(410) 398-3636

Your Creation Station 
For those with an artistic bent and who prefer to create their own art, Your Creation Station offers a walk-in art studio where visitors can make a custom piece of art—including pottery, canvas painting, and various crafts. Pottery requires multiple visits; other art projects may be completed in one sitting. Your Creation Station is an option for kids (no age restrictions) who may find creating art more interesting than looking at it. Middleton is less than a 30-minute drive from Chesapeake City.

318 E Main St.
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 464-1044

"Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Pablo Picasso