The Hudson Valley is a land steeped in art and culture, where the holiday season has long been marked by group shows and pop-ups. These small works shows—where accessible, original artworks fill the walls of local galleries—have become a staple of the region’s creative calendar, offering something one-of-a-kind for every gift-giver and art-lover. This year, the trend continues, with shows that capture the spirit of the season, whether it’s a hand-thrown ceramic bowl at Land Gallery, delicate watercolor at Spencertown Academy, or fine jewelry at Tivoli Artists Gallery. These holiday exhibitions are more than just a place to shop for gifts—they’re an invitation to connect with local artists and take home a piece of the region’s creative heartbeat.

“End-of-the-year small works events introduce in one space the many artists of the community. It is only by exhibiting these different artworks that the hidden cultural ‘gestalt’ or underlying pattern can be revealed that unconsciously enters into each artist’s work,” says Jen Dragon, director of exhibitions at Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild. “This is the best opportunity to affordably start an art collection, and conversely, artists are able to reach new collectors who may not have otherwise discovered their work.”

In this roundup, we highlight 10 shows where creativity, craftsmanship, and holiday spirit converge to offer something lasting and beautiful.

Spencertown Academy Arts Center

790 Route 203, Spencertown

Over 150 small works by 73 regional artists take center stage at Spencertown Academy’s “Small Works 2024: Regional Fine Arts and Crafts,” running through December 15. Featuring a wide range of media—from oils and pastels to ceramics and fiber art—this group show emphasizes pieces 12 inches or smaller. Curated by Meryl Enerson, the exhibition invites visitors to discover diverse, high-quality works in an intimate setting. All artworks are for sale, with proceeds supporting the Academy’s cultural programs. Gallery hours: weekends, 1-5pm.

Tivoli Artists Gallery

60 Broadway, Tivoli

Handcrafted jewelry, vibrant paintings, delicate ceramics, and one-of-a-kind ornaments fill the Tivoli Artists Gallery for its annual holiday show, running through December 15. This festive group exhibition showcases small works in a variety of media, perfect for holiday gifts. “A gift of art is priceless and continues to give and give,” says curator Peggy Farrington.

Mark Gruber Gallery

13 New Paltz Plaza, New Paltz

Mark Gruber Gallery’s 48th annual “Salon Show,” on view through January 31, presents a collection of atmospheric works that evoke mood and place. Linda Puiatti’s Blue Rowboat portrays a solitary boat resting on a sandy, grassy shoreline, while Kevin Cook’s On Lenape Lane captures a quiet, winding road bathed in soft light, with a distant view of Mohonk Mountain House. The exhibition offers a range of original paintings that explore light, space, and emotion—perfect for those seeking meaningful art this holiday season.

ML 1843

3705 Main Street, Stone Ridge

“Tiny Art by Polly Pen” at ML 1843 features original paintings in repurposed vintage frames, blending humor and whimsy. The exhibit runs through December 8, with works priced between $50 and $250. Open Saturdays and Sundays 11am-4pm.

Land Gallery

30 Charles Colman Blvd, Pawling

The artisan holiday show at Land Gallery in Pawling, running through December 31, offers a curated selection of original works. New photography by Jane Haslam, Phyllis Chadwick, Linda Hubbard, and Rebecca Tocci range from landscapes to evocative portraits, while handcrafted wood pieces by Ed Bryan and ceramics by Ann Heywood bring a warm, earthy feel. Jewelry by Karen Ostrom and stained glass by Alexandra Scebold add color and light, and handmade soap by Genevieve St. Louis Jan offers a fragrant, tactile touch, making this show a well-rounded stop for art and gift shopping.

Pamela Salisbury Gallery

362 ½ Warren Street, Hudson

Pamela Salisbury Gallery’s fifth annual “All Small” exhibition opens on November 30, showcasing a collection of miniature, thought-provoking works. Among the offerings: a winter marsh rendered in oil by Diana Horowitz, Christopher Adams’s strange octopus-like creature crafted from copper-red glazed stoneware, and Shari Mendelson’s goblet with blue rings made from repurposed plastic, hot glue, and resin. The show, running through January 12, invites viewers to find meaning in the smallest details. An artists’ reception will be held on November 30 from 3-5pm.

WomensWork.Art

12 Vassar Street, third floor, Poughkeepsie

WomensWork.Art’s “Spirit of the Season: A Small Works Celebration” returns this year for its fifth annual edition, showcasing a range of small-scale artworks by women, femme, and non-binary artists. The exhibition, running from December 5 to 22, offers an accessible opportunity to collect original pieces in time for the holidays. Works are limited to 36 inches on the longest side, making them ideal for intimate spaces or as thoughtful gifts. The opening reception takes place December 7, from 1-3pm. With 70 percent of sales going directly to the artists, it’s a chance to support emerging and established voices in the Hudson Valley art community.

Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild

36 Tinker Street, Woodstock

The Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild’s 25th Annual “5 by 7” show offers a chance to pick up affordable, original art for the holidays. On display at the Kleinert/James Center for the Arts, the exhibition features artists across the Hudson Valley. Works are donated and exhibited anonymously until purchased, at which point the artist’s name is revealed. “By not knowing who painted the painting, shaped the sculpture, or pulled the print, the audience can respond to each artwork on its own merits and not be distracted by the status of the creator,” Dragon says. Each piece is priced at $150, with unsold works discounted to $75 after December 20. The show runs from December 6 to 22, with an opening reception on December 6 at 6-8pm. Visit in person or shop online to snag one-of-a-kind creations while supporting local artists.

The Re Institute

1395 Boston Corners Road, Millerton

The Re Institute is hosting a one-day pop-up holiday art show on December 7 from 1 to 3pm, featuring works by 35 artists. All pieces are priced under $1,000, with many under $500. Attendees can enjoy hot drinks, browse a variety of small-scale works (flat pieces under 24 x 24, sculptures under 18 x 18 x 18), and support local talent. The show will end with a festive dance party.

The Lace Mill Galleries

165 Cornell Street, Kingston

The eighth annual “Holiday Art Show” at The Lace Mill opens with a reception on December 7 from 5-9pm. The exhibit will showcase a variety of local works, from paintings and sculptures to collages, fabric textiles, and an interactive installation—all at bargain prices for the holidays, most under 16 x 20 inches. The show runs through December 29, with gallery hours every Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm.

LABspace

2642 Route 23, Hillsdale

With an opening reception on December 14, 1-5pm, LABspace’s holiday show brings together nearly 400 small-scale works by local artists. With each piece under 12 inches, the exhibition features paintings, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media, priced to suit a variety of budgets. On view through February 23, the show provides plenty of options for those looking for distinctive, affordable gifts or art for the home.