On Friday, October 18, the historical buildings and courtyard of the Olive Hyde Art Gallery will be lively with guests who want to support local art, or display their own creations. “It’s one of my favorite events of the year, and I love seeing the evolving mix of participating artists—both returning favorites and new faces and art forms,” says Lisa Stambaugh, who will be exhibiting at the show. “I joined the Holiday Show & Sale team in 2010, handling graphic design, marketing materials and the website.”
Occurring on a weekend in mid-October, the show earns its name as an opportunity for early gift hunting for the holidays. Participation increases each year, and in 2024 more than eighty local and out-of-area artists will show fine arts including paintings, photography, ceramics, glass, metal, textiles, jewelry, fiber, wood and holiday goods.
Yes, it’s a chance for shopping and for artists to showcase their work, but it’s also the Olive Hyde Art Guild’s main fundraiser for the year. In 1962, Olive Hyde donated the buildings to the City of Fremont so they could be preserved and put to use to promote arts and culture. Since then the Guild has been supporting artists and arts education. Funds raised from the show go towards art in schools, scholarships for high school and Ohlone College students, student art awards, art supplies for children in need, art books for public libraries, art workshops for developmentally disabled adults—in addition to improvements to the gallery, special exhibits and gallery promotion.
Artist Kay Hille-Hatten, who will be exhibiting her beaded jewelry at the Show and Sale, says the Guild is made up of, “Wonderful, welcoming, creative, get things done volunteers… individuals that want to see art flourish in this area.” She has been a member for 20 years.
The weekend-long event kicks off with the Friday night ticketed gala. The $20 ticket includes savories, sweets, coffee, wine and beer with admission. Plus the first look at all the art pieces available for purchase. Singer and songwriter Michael McNevin will also give a performance at the gala.
Every year, a featured artist donates a piece as a drawing prize, and this year photographer Scott Capen donated his landscape photograph Pheiffer Redwood Creek-Big Sur, California. “My wife and I were just out for a walk when we happened upon the creek,” Capen says of the peaceful and contemplative scene. “I am actually standing in the creek to get this shot. Just one of those instances of being in the right place at the right time.”
Other familiar names to look for among the artists whose work was juried to include in the show are Adriane Dedic, P. Kay Hille-Hatten, Peter Langenbach, Barbara Schlein, Lisa Stambaugh, Lauren Shaver and Durba Sen. But there will be newcomers as well!
For those who miss Friday night’s opening, the sale will continue through Saturday and Sunday. Over the entire weekend, attendance is expected to reach 1,000 across ages and interests.
Lisa Stambaugh shares of her work, “Several years ago, I noticed a need for more children’s gifts. Now, I enjoy contributing crocheted stuffed toys to the mix, with past years featuring monsters, dinosaurs and cats. This year, I’ve been creating bumblebees and octopi. I’m looking forward to getting those fun items in the hands of shoppers’ kids this holiday season!”
Event sponsors include Fremont Bank, Tri-City Voice Newspaper, The Anderson Family Foundation and Kalyanpur Family Giving Fund.
Opening Night Gala
Friday, October 18
5:30 – 9 p.m.
Gala tickets $20, purchase online or at the door
olivehydeartguild.org/holiday-for-the-arts-2/gala-tickets
Show and Sale
Saturday, October19, & Sunday, October 20
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COF Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd. Fremont
