Artist Alley in downtown Southern Pines will welcome friends for an artist appreciation night and holiday open house Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The gallery features work from over 50 North Carolina artisans, including many local residents. A number of these artists will be on hand during the evening to discuss their work and help visitors with holiday gift choices.

"Artist Alley has fostered a wonderful sense of community among the artists and customers," says Jean Skipper, owner of the gallery.

"The holidays are the perfect time to come together and celebrate that community and our shared love of all things hand crafted."

Many artists have delivered new work to the gallery in recent weeks. Karen Whidden is a rug hooker who dyes her own wool. She specializes in botanicals with fine shading details. Amy Smith, mixed media artist, has brought in new collage paper jewelry, and a new line of collage purse hooks.

Jaeja Jackson has a lovely line of eyeglass lanyards with reading glasses included. She has colors to match every outfit. Suzanne Rehbock creates gorgeous pottery. Faye Terry has added a line of smaller canvases in her Tuscany series that would fit into the stocking of an art lover.

"Be sure to visit the Christmas tree, which is full of lovely handmade Christmas ornaments," says Skipper.

Kathleen Miller, who has had one of her ornaments on the White House Christmas tree, has a wonderful array of hand-painted wooden ornaments. Wayne Black has put his saw to good use in creating incredibly detailed cut wood angels.

Jean Skipper has created brass hearts hand stamped with the word "Joy" and "2008."

"We will enjoy holiday music throughout the evening," says Skipper. "Of course, refreshments will be served."

For those who can't come to the opening, the gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday . Artist Alley is located in downtown Southern Pines, one block east of the train station, at 167 E. New Hampshire Avenue.

For more information about the First Friday opening or the gallery, call Skipper at 692-6077.