Deborah Zannoth has a solution for avoiding the traditional holiday shopping rush this year.

The East Lansing resident plans on visiting the annual Holiday Art Market showcase at the Lansing Art Gallery, 425 S. Grand Ave. in Lansing, to find that unique gift for friends and family.

The event runs at the gallery today through Dec. 22 and will feature more than 100 Michigan artists selling holiday gifts.

“(The planning) has been going very well and we’re putting the final touches on it tonight,” volunteer and artist Pam Wilburn said Thursday. “It’s going to be gorgeous.”

Wilburn said the show has been evolving through the years.

“Each year they have a little bit of a new twist than the year before,” she said. “For me it’s just really fun to see what new and creative things people have come up with.”

There will be a variety of art on hand including jewelry, pottery, handblown glass, unique cards, artistic wearables and paintings.

“Nothing is purchased by a company and resold,” Executive Director Catherine Babcock said. “The biggest highlight is that everything is handmade and we have artists from all over the state from as far north as Marquette.”

Zannoth likes the wide variety and assortment of original art items.

“If you’re looking for a unique holiday gift, the prices are very reasonable,” she said. “Not only are you getting everything done before the holiday rush, but you’re giving back to the art community as well.”

Babcock said there has been much anticipation for the annual fair.

“We’ve already had people coming by and peeking in the window and trying to see what’s in it this year,” she said.

The Fall Women and the Arts Festival will also be held today and Saturday at the Edgewood United Church, 469 Hagadorn Road.

It will feature performances by Zoe Lewis and her Rubber Band, a drumming workshop, arts and crafts, and food. Melanie DeMore, soloist and member of the Cultural Heritage Choir will perform Saturday night. Tickets for her concert are $15, while general admission is $2.