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Website: Wychwood Barns Gift shopping in Toronto is often done most during Christmas holidays. Some stores earn more in December than they do throughout the year! For special unique gifts, shoppers should pay attention to art galleries where an original piece of art can be bought from local artists and craftsmen. The renovated Wychwood Barns is now home to several artists with live/work or work units to display their artworks. Their group Christmas show had several tables in one of the barns as well where jewelery, paintings, and other pieces could be bought and the local artists and designers themselves were selling their wares to the public. The Winter cold outside did not stop some shoppers who wandered around the huge open space with high ceiling. These barns have glass walls allowing lots of natural light to enter. Art and environment are combined here to create the atmosphere. Of course the holiday season with the Christmas spirit was in the air too. The coffee ran out which disappointed some people who needed it to warm and waken while listening to the choir sing Christmas songs. Choosing gifts for Christmas can be a challenge since tastes of the receiver can be different from that of the giver. Buying art for someone, the giver definitely should know the receiver well enough to pick an artwork that will be appreciated and displayed for view at home or at work. Unique art has to find the right spot, not hidden in a closet out of distaste or embarassment. The artists in Wychwood Barns have various media and there should be enough choices there to suit any recipient. Collectible art is appreciated more by adults than children although children enjoy seeing their own art and as a play activity. There were no Christmas ornaments at the show but artists and craftsmen have different purposes -- artists prefer making unique display items without an ordinary function whereas craftsmen and designers often include function in their works and create products for household use for example. Browsing and socializing in a creative atmosphere is good for the soul nevertheless and spreads positive energy for the Christmas spirit.
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