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For its 4th Annual Market, niftily called “The Market”, ShopColumbia will be taking over the entire first floor of Columbia’s 623 South Wabash building. This multi-day shopping extravaganza will feature artist collections in the Hokin Gallery, lobby, and, of course, the new look ShopColumbia. Do you love student- and alumni-made art and crafts? Are you looking for a unique and, quite frankly, awesome opportunity to get your holiday shop on? This is it.

The team at ShopColumbia has gone all out this year. Taking place over three days, the market will play host to students and alumni as they display their collections amidst a curated fine art exhibition in the Hokin Gallery, and the shop itself will also host themed mini-boutiques. Speaking from experience, the highlight of the market is meeting the artists and discovering the stories behind their work. Not only will you learn how the products are made, but you will have a great story to accompany your gift-giving. It’s that extra dimension that makes the event such a great place to stock up on your seasonal gifts.

Now that you have the scoop, here are the details you need to get you and your ugly holiday sweater down there:

Where: 623 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605
When: Thursday, December 6th, 5-8pm (including reception)
Friday, December 7th, 11am-5pm
Saturday, December 8th, 11am-5pm

Ali I need more info! Ok, visit the Facebook event page HERE. Also check out the ShopColumbia Facebook page and get a sneak peek at what is on offer at the shop, including pictures from last year’s holiday market. Also check out the website: www.colum.edu/ShopColumbia

Ali, I can’t make it! Never fear, you can buy online here: www.shop.colum.edu

News-flash: I am going to be featuring my work at the market. What is it you may ask? You will have to come by and check it out!

A note on the shop: ShopColumbia is Columbia College Chicago’s student and alumni art boutique. Since opening in fall 2008, artists have made almost $200,000 from the sale of their work. ShopColumbia has been featured in numerous publications, including TimeOut Chicago, and is consistently rated as one of Chicago’s premier shopping destinations for unique items and fantastic gifts.  The shop features hundreds of products including fine art, jewelry, accessories, apparel, paper goods, literature, music, and now, Ali’s top secret yet-to-be-revealed crafts.

Ali how can I get involved? ShopColumbia accepts submissions from any Columbia student or alum. So, if you make awesome things, why not sell at the shop? Get the full info on becoming a ShopColumbia artist here.