Have an 'artsy' Christmas! National Gallery offers gift ideas for the holiday

If you still haven't found the right Christmas gifts for those hard-to-shop-for persons on your list, here's an idea for you - get them some genuine works of art! The National Gallery in Kingston might very well be the place to get all you need. The Sunday Gleaner visited the Gallery's Ocean Boulevard location recently where Tiffany Martin, gift shop manager, offered some ideas.

"Our David Pinto cups are always very popular during Christmas time," she said. "They make sense too, because they are not only beautiful, they are also fully functional."

The cups and saucers could easily be used to add a bit of artistic character to a room.

"But you can also use them for your tea or coffee. However you choose to use it," said Martin.

The David Pinto cups and saucers, which boast intricate designs that have become the artist's signature, will run you between $700 and $2600.

The Gallery's gift shop also carries several pieces by Michael Layne.

"His works are also beautiful and functional," said Martin.

And that they are. Michael Layne's  clocks have been getting a lot of attention recently. They work just like any other clock but are also impressive tick-tocking works of art.

Have a jewellery-lover on your shopping list? The Gallery offers colourful, hand-made earrings, necklaces and bracelets made by some of the skilful graduates of Kingston's Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts.

"The prices range from about $750 to $4200. There are several pieces to choose from," Martin said.

For those with a little more to spend, a Phillip Supersad creation might be the way to go. There is a beautiful teapot at the gift shop that basically whistles with sophistication. It can be had for $10,000.

There are a number of other options available as well. These include T-shirts (featuring designs by Leasha Johnson), photographs, paintings and even books on local history and culture. These may, perhaps, prove to be the ideal gifts for the person who has everything. Or, they may just brighten the day of your beloved.