Glendale Arts’ Taste Of The Holidays

Enjoying the holiday spirit at Taste of the Holidays are, from, left, Glendale Arts Board Member Miryam Finkelberg, Board Chair Marcie DeSousa and Chief Operating Officer Maria Sahakian.
Photos by Ruth SOWBY

By Ruth SOWBY

Glendale Arts’ Taste is back – with a twist – for its Taste of the Holidays at its new home, the ACE/21 Gallery & Paseo in Glendale. Previously the arts organization offered its “Taste” as restaurant samplings in downtown Glendale. On Saturday, Dec. 2 local vendors offering homemade goods and art replaced the restaurant fare.  

Family-friendly holiday shopping and sipping were the order of the day as customers strolled down the Paseo. The free event also offered a smattering of taste treats including mouth-watering blueberry muffins and festive beverages. But it was the chance for last minute holiday shopping that brought out the customers. Vendor Lizzie Sampson of Pots by Lizzie showed off her ceramic art. Some vendors sold jewelry while others offered intricate soap sculptures.     

Arts vendors replaced restaurants for Glendale Arts’ Taste of the Holidays at ACE/21 Gallery & Paseo. La Crescenta resident Christine Manoukian, at right, begins her holiday shopping at Pots by Lizzie. Vendor-artist Lizzie Sampson is happy to oblige.

  “We want to connect artists with the community by having booths that support the arts and culture,” said Glendale Arts CEO Nina Crowe who plans on this inaugural holiday “Taste” turning into an annual event.   

A percentage of vendor sales will support Glendale Arts’ mission to “create community and opportunity between artists and audiences.”

At the Taste of the Holidays, strolling down the Paseo are, from left, Glendale Arts Board Member Michele DiNardo, marketing advisor Vic Pallos and Glendale Arts CEO Nina Crowe.