Scott Shafer has been a potter for forty years. He has customers who make a point of coming to his studio/shop in Centerville, Indiana, every year – sometimes from several states away – to see and purchase his beautiful stoneware.

“That’s how I survive,” Shafer said. “With the people who have the tenacity to seek out quality handmade items.”

Would you like to be one of those people, but aren’t sure how or where to start?

Let me suggest Wayne County, Indiana – especially (but not exclusively) over the next couple of months.

The whole idea behind the Holiday Art Mart at the Richmond Art Museum is to introduce newcomers to the fun and excitement of collecting, said RAM Executive Director Shaun Dingwerth. The mart’s selection includes paintings, photographs, glassware, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and more – all limited in size and price, and all by regional artists and artisans.

“I think original works of art add warmth to a home,” Dingwerth said. “I like supporting local artists. And I appreciate the time and the skill and the craft of creating.”

Some items already are on sale, but the big kickoff for the Holiday Art Mart will be 1-4 p.m. Dec. 1. Anything in the sale would make a unique and easy-to-mail gift – or could add warmth to your own home during the holidays and beyond.

While you are at the museum, be sure to check out the 120^th Annual Exhibition by Richmond and Area Artists, four galleries of works by both professional and amateur artists. Many are available for purchase and all are worth a look. The exhibition ends Jan. 12.

But RAM isn’t the only place featuring art shows and over the holidays. In all cases, all or most of the artwork can be purchased.

Shafer will have his annual Christmas open house from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1 and noon-4 p.m. Dec. 2 at 610 N. Morton St. in Centerville. His regular hours are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Lawrence and Carol Sexton, both members of the Whitewater Artists Guild, have a show at the MacDowell Art Gallery at Reid Health through December. Go in the main hospital entrance and take the elevators next to the information desk to the second floor. The gallery is in the corridor near the windows. Lawrence’s landscapes are to your right as you face the windows, and Carol’s botanical paintings are to your left.

Award-winning photographer Judy Buchholz’ work is on display at the Cope Environmental Center, where she is a volunteer. The photos include scenes from Cope, Brookville Lake, and Hueston Woods State Park, as well as a variety of national parks. This is Buchholz’ first show, which she admits is “a little scary.” The show ends Jan. 24.

If your holiday season already is packed solid, don’t worry.

Anytime is a good time to seek out quality handmade items in Wayne County.

Bill and Jeanne Magaw’s unique sculptures recently appeared on FOX 59’s “Where is Sherman?” series highlighting unusual things to see and do in and around Indianapolis. Bill Magaw proudly told reporter Sherman Burdette about one of their pieces featured as a centerpiece in a garden in China. Their studio, Magaws of Boston, is open by chance or by appointment at 5774 Indiana 227 South.

Several area shops include local artwork and fine crafts.

Halo Handmade in Richmond’ Depot District sells raku pottery by Scott Russo of Cambridge City, woodwork by Austin Cofield of Fountain City, and fascinating lamps and bookends concocted from a variety of industrial materials by Bob Burch of Richmond.

The Village Forager in Centerville has pottery by Elisha Frazier of Richmond and pastel drawings of the town by retired Centerville art teacher Barry Harrison (some of Harrison’s works also are available at Shafer’s shop).

Last year, Warm Glow Candle along Interstate 70 north of Centerville – one of Wayne County’s largest retail outlets – added Artisans and Java to its complex of shops. There, you can sip on coffee and/or browse through all sorts of items created by regional artists and craftspeople.

“We’re just really wanting to promote local artisans,” said Warm Glow co-founder Jackie Carberry when the shop first opened.

“I absolutely love it,” said Crista Flege, whose Joyeful Creations have been part of the shop’s offerings since April. “This gives me an outlet I wouldn’t otherwise have.”

The whole Warm Glow complex will have its Christmas Open House on Dec. 1-3.

And, last but not least, there’s O’Onda Gallery & Gifts at 534 E. Main St. in Richmond.

Owner and Fountain City native Melinda Wilson lived for a time in Mozambique, Africa, where she got the inspiration for the shop.

O’Onda is Portuguese (spoken in Mozambique) for “the wave.” A percentage of sales is donated to a non-profit organization serving the African nation and other causes.

“With every purchase you make here, you’re touching lives,” Wilson said. “It’s like a wave.”

In addition to a variety of fair trade items, the shop features works by 30 artists and artisans – 10 from Wayne County, another 10+ from around Indiana and Ohio, and the rest from around the country. Wilson has a waiting list of more artists wanting to join in.

Mary Kay Moran Kidwell of Richmond sells her crocheted creations and – like the other nearby artists – puts in time helping at the shop. “It’s just fun to be part of it,” she said.

Wilson is pleased with the response the shop has had.

“We try to bring something unique to the people,” she said. “You can go to an art show year ‘round here.”

The same could be said of all Wayne County.

By Louise Ronald

Find more Wayne County travel ideas at www.visitrichmond.org.