Each of these fairs has different local artists — only a few overlap.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, the Get it Local Gift Fair will be held at Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Ave. E., and will have over 30 Duluth-Superior artists, nonprofits, and local-made or grown items for sale. The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also serve as a drive (please bring items) for new or gently used children’s (picture) books which will be donated to the Red Book Shelf/United Way and there also will be a collection for Hygiene products to go to the local Salvation Army. From wreaths to jewelry to home decor to dog treats you will find plenty of great things to pick up — all in one setting in one day.

On Tuesday Dec. 7 the Get Great Stuff Evening Gift Fair will be held from 4-8 p.m. at the Duluth Congregational Church, 3833 E. Superior St. Lake Superior Writers will be doing readings throughout the evening. Shop for books, chocolates, jewelry, candles, soap, calendars or watercolors and much more. You will also have the opportunity to dye your own silk scarf at this fair.

If it’s approaching mid-December and you still aren’t done with shopping come on Dec. 11 to the Neighbor-Made Gift Fair. This ‘glocal’ fair will have over 20 booths of local artists and some booths with items made for and to support our global neighbors in need (Fair Trade). Supporting local artists and fair trade has benefits for the environment, too. Booths will include weavings, blacksmith work, pottery, iron items, clothing, pine needle items, jewelry, drums, quilts, mittens & hats, and many unique items to wear, items for inside a home or outdoors. There are also some international dance demos tentatively scheduled during the day. The event will be from 10 until 3 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 4901 E. Superior St. in Lakeside. Countries represented: Nicaragua, Guatamala, Ghana, Tanzania, Thailand, and Haiti.

Each of these fairs has a unique set of artisans. No two fairs are alike. Only very few artists overlap among these shows.

Learn about more local art fairs – with local artisans – throughout the year at wendyupnorth.com.

What you buy matters. Thank you for supporting local artists and I hope you’ll find some great gifts to give and some for yourself.