The library is a go-to place for good reads, but it is also a perfect shopping destination thanks to the Central Brevard Art Association and the artsy temptations to be found in its Holiday Art Show
The annual show returns to Cocoa Beach Public Library, 550 N. Brevard Ave., with scores of gifting possibilities showcasing the talents of local artists and artisans who will be displaying and selling everything from original fine art and prints and photography to jewelry, silks, clay, wood, sculpture, mixed media and more.
Additionally, attendees can try and snag a gift basket in a raffle with 100 percent of proceeds benefitting the CBAA scholarships program.
Among those artists exhibiting is Arthur DeLaurentis, a lapidary, also known as a stone cutter, a silversmith and a master at ancient methods for making jewelry. The natural stones in his pieces come from Colorado, Arizona, Mexico, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Australia and the Dominican Republic.
“I was a chef for many years and enjoyed the immediate gratification of pleasing someone with my food,” said DeLaurentis. “I get the same gratification at a CBAA show when I see a person connect with one of my pieces of jewelry art.”
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Like DeLaurentis, Karen D Hollister has had a multi-decade art journey, specializing in handmade books and mixed media painting.
“The range of artistic talent within Brevard County and the CBAA is amazing,” she said.
Orchids are often the focus of Ashley Cooke’s works. Her photos of the elegant queens of the plant kingdom were included in “Flowers in Art,” published by Schiffer Publishing.
“Being a CBAA member provides me with a sense of community with other artists in Brevard County,” said Cooke.
2025 marks the 65th anniversary of the art group, created to promote community appreciation of the visual arts, as well as educational opportunities through art classes. The group also awards an annual scholarship to a local graduating high school senior planning to pursue a college education in art, as well as a scholarship for Eastern Florida State Colleges pursuing the arts.
The Holiday Art Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 and 23, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24. Admission is free.
For more information, visit cbaaartists.com or call 321-806-8065.
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