It's that time. Art & Craft Fair Season is here! And if you've not attended any (or just a few) of the art fairs in the Grand Valley, it's time you got on your little elf shoes and headed out the door.

This weekend, things kick off with two great art openings in one. The Blue Pig Gallery and the Twisted Brick Studios (both in Palisade and only a block apart) are co-hosting their holiday shows, called This Little Piggy and Twisted Brick Treasures. Lots of food and fun will be served, along with original miniature paintings and numerous other smaller gift items. Of course, the usual, wonderful and eclectic array of other larger art pieces will also be available. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. and go until 8 p.m. The town of Palisade will have its holiday decorations up, so come early, take in the sights and have a wonderful dinner at the many great restaurants in town.

Next on the list is Handmade Holidays, "The biggest little art & craft fair featuring the finest crafters and artists on the Western Slope."  Whew. Now that's a mouthful! This is the inaugural year for this show, and it looks like a ton of fun. Everything from sterling-silver jewelry to handmade purses and soaps is available. It starts Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Barn in Grand Junction. (Which is not really a barn, but a spacious and bright venue.) It's definitely one show I'm gonna hit this weekend.

The following weekend, Nov. 20-22, is the Art Center's 38th Annual Art & Craft Fair. This one is my favorite art and craft fair. Always has been. This year's fair features more than 40 artisans offering a huge assortment of original paintings, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, clothing, stained glass and much, much more. All are VERY reasonably priced. This event is so much fun because of the large variety of merchandise, the joyful atmosphere and the great food that is offered for sale by the Art Center Guild. This is one of the largest fundraising events for The Art Center. There's no entrance fee, though, so feel free to come and indulge.

One more thing that's coming this weekend but doesn't really fit into the traditional holiday gift category -- the Colorado West Quilt Guild Exhibition, Quilts Unwrapped, this weekend ONLY at The Art Center. More than 150 incredible quilts of all kinds, shapes and sizes will be on display by various western slope quilters. (I am in total awe, as I can hardly sew on a button!) There'll also be two special talks. The first is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, when Deborah Snider presents Shear Joy -- A Woman's Love of Fabric.  At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Linda Jenkins from Piece O' Cake Designs will host a special presentation. Both are at The Art Center (corner of Orchard Avenue and 7th Street). Tickets are $10 for each of the talks, and that includes the entry fee. So if you are passionate about quilting, this is a very rare opportunity to see such a diverse and beautiful assortment of fine quilts.

There is so much more happening, but I'm afraid if I keep rambling you might either fall asleep or smash your computer. So for now, I'll sign off and continue next week with more fabulous holiday happenings. Until then, enjoy each day!