All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Jane Langdon's wintry 2nd Avenue tableau is the cover of the Niwot Historical Society's 2020 holiday card.
Niwot's Little Bird boutique carries several items with local flair, including creations by co-owners Bruce Rabeler and Liz Gould.
We're in the home stretch of the holiday shopping season, and for those of you with a few names left to check off your gift list, be sure to consider one of the dozens of unique items from the artists, authors and crafters that call Niwot and Gunbarrel home.
Niwot in watercolor
Niwot's historic downtown is a frequent subject of resident and renowned artist Jane Langdon, whose graceful style evokes warmth and nostalgia. Recently, her wintry depiction of 2nd Avenue was featured on the Niwot Historical Society's 2020 Holiday Card.
Pick up a print of her vibrant watercolors at her website, Lefthandgallery.net, or at one of many Niwot retailers, including Little Bird, Wise Buys Antiques, osmosis art and architecture, and Niwot Market.
Support local food producers
Give the gift of fresh, locally-sourced produce, meat, or dairy products with a share in one of the area's many Community Supported Agricultureprograms, such as nearby Kilt Farm(8140 Oxford Rd, Longmont) or Ollin Farms. (8627 N. 95th St., Longmont).
Shares start as low as $12 per week for singles, with seasons typically lasting from April or May to November.
Make a charitable donation on someone's behalf.
Colorado Gives Day was Dec. 8, but it's not too late to make a gift donation to one of the dozens of local organizations that serve the Left Hand Community. 2020 has been an especially difficult year for many of these groups, as their fundraising activities were severely curtailed due to pandemic restrictions. Even a small monetary gift could help maintain Niwot Children's Park, provide transportation to the elderly, or support therapeutic services for the disabled. Some of these organizations are also offering holiday items for sale.
For the art lover in your life
The Left Hand Valley is home to dozens of talented painters, designers, sculptors, makers, and crafters, so it's not hard to come by artwork that is as beautiful and unique as the region it comes from.
Local potter Mark Rossiermakes his home in Niwot, as well as his nature-inspired ceramic and wood-fired creations, which are for sale in his showroom online and at 400 Franklin Street. Also from Niwot is critically acclaimed painter/photographer David Bjorkman, whose recent work includes a series of collagesinspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Courier's own Ann Whitehill handcrafts fine leather bagsthat are as functional as they are stylish.
Exhibits of local artists and creators are regularly featured on the walls of many Niwot businesses, including Winot Coffee, Little Holiday Shops, Fly Away Home, Inkberry Books, and Old Oak Coffee. Or, head over to osmosis art and architecture, where you can purchase prints of the winning entries from the 2020 Why Not Niwot juried art show, or artwork from other local artists, including Gunbarrel painter Lamya Deeb.
Support the local pollinator population
Bees, butterflies and other flying insects and animals play a critical role in the life cycle of flowering plants, including most fruit and vegetable species. Ensuring the health of these pollinator populationsis critical, and it's becoming easier than ever to do so.
If someone on your list has a sweet tooth, pick up some honey from local cultivators Jeff and Dawn Server at Meadowlake Honey, and help support the local bee population. For the gardener in your life, give a gift card to The Flower Binor Harlequin's Gardens, along with a list of pollinator-friendly flowers. Harlequin's also has supplies for the budding beekeeperin your life.
Niwot Market has you covered
Niwot Marketoffers a wide range of local products for your holiday home and table, as well as gourmet chef-prepared foods from their deli. While you're there, check out Pebble Art Jewelry for offerings from local jewelers, such as Kate Head; or Juniper & Twine, for a unique floral creation. Don't forget to show support for your favorite independent grocer with a "Niwot Market" emblazoned T-Shirt, tote bag, or hat.
Left Hand Valley literature
Purchasing and giving books as gifts is also an excellent way to support local creators and small business owners. Visit Inkberry Booksto check some award-winning Left Hand Valley authors, who might also be your next-door neighbor. Some recent and notable releases include "Sanctuary Song"by Sandi Siegel, "Some Dogs are Different"by Michelle Pendergrass, "49 Buddhas"by Jim Ringel,"Buried Rivers, A Spiritual Journey into the Holocaust"by Ellen Korman Mains, and, "Tears Run Dry"by Niwot Veterinary's Dr. Patrick Kalenzi.
Niwot finds at Little Bird
Bruce Rabeler and Liz Gould aren't just co-owners of Niwot's eclectic Little Bird (122 2nd Ave.), they are also talented creators in their own right. The local landscape features prominently in Rabeler's photography, which can be found in a 2021 calendar or for purchase online. Little Bird also carries Gould's handcrafted jewelryand a line of artisanal soaps.
Still stumped?
For that hard-to-buy for recipient on your list, consider these out-of-the-box options.
Happy shopping!
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