Unique Gifts

A program by Members of the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan

Ann Arbor Film Festival
Save almost 20-percent when you buy all three of the AAFF's DVD collections as a set. Includes more than two dozen award winning independent short films from three seasons of the AAFF, exploring animation, documentary, narrative and groundbreaking experimental works. $45.

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair
Those who love fine art and Michigan’s great summers will enjoy a gift certificate to the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original. The gift certificates can be redeemed at any artists’ booth in the 2012 Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. This coming year’s Art Fair dates are Wednesday–Saturday, July 18–21, 2012. The Street Art Fair is located on the streets surrounding Burton Carillon Tower and Ingalls Mall on the University of Michigan’s Central Campus. To purchase a gift certificate, visit online.

Anton Art Center
Two Gift Suggestions: Family Membership at the Anton Art Center is $50 for one year and includes discounts on classes, gallery purchases and most Gift Shop purchases; AAC Gift Certificate to the Christmas Market, a popular shopping destination featuring handmade gifts in all media, to fit all budgets, by over 100 Michigan artists; or, purchase special gifts for those on your list at Christmas Market, open through Dec. 22.

The Art Experience
Inspiration, creativity and instruction abound. Get a discount on Open Studio gift certificates - $40 for 10 sessions (a $50 value). Create your own project or choose one of ours, such as: printmaking using recycled materials, collage and sculpture, watercolor and acrylic painting, and drawing and other fine art processes. All ages, includes most materials, canvases available at cost.

Arts and Scraps
Need something for the person who has everything? A $10 or greater donation puts their name on the “Ten Buck Truck” permanently; this walk-in cargo van covers Southeast Michigan, picking up materials from factories and bringing programs to schools and community organizations. Using recycled materials, Arts & Scraps offers individual- and group-kits for gifts, ornaments and more. Gift certificates are great for a teacher, group leader, parent or child – they can choose between kits and stuffing bags at our store. For store hours and location, and to purchase items, visit online.

Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center - BBAC
The Holiday Shop at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center has the perfect gift for everyone on the list, Dec. 2-17. Bursting at the seams with juried and hand-picked gifts for every taste and budget by more than 160 juried artists from all over the country, gifts are priced from $8 and up for the traditionalist, the environmentalist, the serious art collector and the babysitter, and of course everyone who loves art. Get a first look at unique, one-of-a-kind artist-created gifts at Shop & Champagne, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011. Enjoy a special, one-time “gift” for givers: a 10-percent discount off all purchases that night only.

Detroit Artists Market
Mention the “Give the Gift of Arts and Culture” and get the 10% members’ discount on art purchases. Learn more about the members of the Detroit Artists Market and their work online.

Heidelberg Project
For youngsters who love creating and reading, here’s a unique gift from Heidelberg Project. The HP's new children's book tells the story of a young Tyree Guyton and his grandfather who encouraged him to pursue his dreams of becoming an artist. Cost $16 ($19 on the website, which includes $3 for shipping and handling).

Howell Nature Center
Adopt-an-Animal at Howell Conference and Nature Center. For $65 your recipient will receive the individual story of one of HNC’s wildlife ambassadors, species information, a 5x7 photo, an adoption certificate, and a plush stuffed animal of your ambassador. You may adopt our Great Horned Owl, Virginia Opossum, Snowy Owl, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine or Bald Eagle. The proceeds from your Animal Adoption will help provide x-rays, surgeries, antibiotics, caging and food for the 2,300 animals brought in to their care each year.

Huron Valley Council for the Arts
HVCA presents a very special concert on Dec. 2 & 3, 2011: “A Piano Extravaganza” features four master pianists bringing Nutcracker Suites and other holiday favorites to life. Also performing are Oak Valley Middle School Choir, St. Mary Parish Choir, Milford music and Milford High Percussionists, and John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy award winning elementary school choir. If you or yours can’t go to the show, get gift certificate for Third Annual Classical Concert Series: Waleed Howrani, pianist & composer, Jan. 28, 2012; Three Sopranos, Feb. 25, 2012; Erickson Flute & Ensemble, March 24, 2012; and Cantare String Quartet, April 28, 2012.

Meadow Brook Hall
Grown-ups will enjoy some of the finer things in life. Meadow Brook Hall will be offering a unique gift basket this holiday season. The Meadow Brook basket includes: Meadow Brook Hall Guidebook, two Adult Tour Admissions, one bottle of Meadow Brook's Chardonnay, one bottle of Meadow Brook's Cabernet Sauvignon, two Meadow Brook wine glasses, and one Meadow Brook wine stopper. The retail value $ 101, but MBH is making it available for $65.

MOCAD
Something special’s in store at the Museum Of Contemporary Art-Detroit. Unique gifts of art include a hand-sculptured Lucite over-size cuff made in Melbourne by Alexandra Blak. It is new to the MOCAD store and perfect for that special someone. Other gifts include the DIY Pinhole Camera, or Cutting Board Man. And you can also wrap up a membership.

Motown Museum
Here’s a treasure for people who appreciate the Motor City and our unique musical heritage. The Motown Museum offers special 50th Anniversary Boxed Sets of The Supremes and The Temptations. For details, call (313) 875-2264. You can also “Shop Around” online.

Multicultural Council
For people who think, great ideas make great gifts. This non-profit, charitable organization works to promote Cultures, Education and Health. With its affiliate, Dominican International Institute, the Multicultural Council is now offering 50-percent discounts on upcoming cultural and health/diseases seminars. For details, call (248) 614-5200 or visit online.

Pewabic Pottery
Giving the gift of Pewabic is a Detroit tradition synonymous with the holidays. Pewabic Pottery offers a variety of holiday gift options for loved ones, friends and co-workers. A trip to our Museum Store offers several choices to inspire creativity, from tax-deductible memberships to handmade ceramic holiday ornaments to the gift of a ceramics class or workshop. Stop by the Museum Store in-person or visit online.

Pontiac Creative Arts Center
With works by more than 15 exhibiting artists, gifts of great beauty and creativity fill the 2011 Marketplace Gift Shop and Photography Exhibition. With one-of-a-kind artisan items. Works available for purchase include hand-blown ornaments, homemade quilts, dolls, knitted scarves and gloves, and metal sculptured license plate purses.  Prices range from $4 to $300. The PCAC hosts the gift shop and exhibit through Jan. 12, 2012.

Preservation Wayne
People interested in architecture, historic places and what makes Michigan unique are among those who will enjoy Preservation Wayne gift certificates for their Detroit Heritage Walking Tours. Gift certificates are $10 per person and can be used for the following walking tours: Cultural Center, Downtown, Eastern Market, and Midtown tours. For more information call: (313) 577-3559.

Pro Musica of Detroit
Tickets to our spring concert would make a great gift for the music lover on your list. Pro Musica of Detroit presents Benjamin Grosvenor, pianist, March 16, 2012. The 18-year-old British pianist is internationally recognized for his electrifying performances and penetrating interpretations. Learn more online.

Scarab Club
A mere scrap of paper is all it takes to make a special gift that contributes to the restoration of the historic club. Purchase a piece of paper to place on a specially marked area on the club’s hard wood floor. Once the designated area is filled, the art project will be photographed and placed in the 2012 Scarab Club Third Arts Annual, which includes the published artwork of current Scarab Club members. The project also will be filmed. The book will be available to the public for purchase beginning on Noel Night, Saturday, Dec. 3. Price $40 plus tax.

Wayne State University
Arthur C. Danto Special Edition Prints + Master Collection. With permission from Danto, Bull and The Writer Herbert Gold, both 1959 woodblock prints, have been re-printed by graduate students of the Wayne State University Printmaking Program from their original woodblocks, for a special, relatively small edition of 35 prints each.  Sales of the prints will go to the creation of the Arthur C. Danto Scholarship for students in the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art and Art History at WSU.  The prints will be signed by Danto.

WSU Press
For those who enjoy history filled with colorful characters and thrilling times, the Wayne State University Press presents “Detroitland: A Collection of Movers, Shakers, Lost Souls and History Makers of Detroit's Past” by journalist and historian Richard Bak. In twenty-seven chapters that cover roughly a century of Detroit’s rich and colorful history, Bak relives the scandals, mysteries, catastrophes, triumphs, and celebrations that have rocked Detroit. Drawn and updated from articles originally published in periodicals that include Hour Detroit, Detroit Monthly, and Michigan History, Bak introduces readers to the heroes, criminals, stars, and regular people who lived through them, or in some cases, set them in motion. Along with special holiday savings, the book can be ordered by calling (800) 978-7323 or online.

Click here to view full "2011 Give the Gift of Art and Culture" listing.