Artist Alley in downtown Southern Pines will celebrate a "holiday extravaganza" Friday, Nov. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.

"This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to kick off their holiday shopping with a gorgeous selection of handmade items from over 50 North Carolina artisans, many of whom are from right here in Moore County," says Jean Skipper, of Artist Alley. "A number of these artists will attend the event and will be delighted to discuss their work."

Christy Clark has been with Artist Alley from the beginning. She creates a line of sterling silver jewelry called Silverwear.

"The holidays are my favorite time of the year at the gallery," says Clark. "People are always so pleased to be able to give their loved ones something that is handmade. It makes gift giving just that much more joyful."

Clark has added many lovely new pieces to her collection at "The Alley," as have many of the other regular artists. Debbie Keene has provided new lamp work bead jewelry in seasonal colors, and Jari Custom Leather has added elegant new stone jewelry. Amy Smith has brought in new works on canvas and new mixed media jewelry. Joy Helman has added handcrafted journals along with more of her fiber jewelry.

Phil Ruske, a painter, will be switching out his entire collection at the gallery, replacing his fall series with a new color palette. Kathy Miller has added to her hand-painted furniture creations, including an award winner just back from the State Fair and new holiday-themed items.

Skipper has new hand-stamped metal jewelry creations, one of which is sure to have just the right sentiment for someone on a gift list. Patti O'Day is displaying her line of holiday bags, as well as some new golf-themed pocketbooks and accessories.

"You may also find handcrafted Christmas ornaments from many of the artists just in time for holiday decorating," says Skipper.

In addition to the regular favorites, a number of new artists have joined the Artist Alley family in recent weeks. Bob Kieling creates wooden boxes. Gary and Tracy Bowers also work in wood, and create benches and boxes. Martha Johnson is a mixed media artist from Kitty Hawk who creates highly dimensional collages with inspirational quotes.

Jaeja Jackson creates elegant and whimsical beaded eyeglass lanyards. Zoe Nelson, from the North Carolina mountains, creates jewelry from precious metal clay. Nanette Zeller, a local artist, creates a line of hand-felted pins in magical colors with creative embellishments.

Another magical event Sandhills residents look forward to every holiday season is the "Festival of Trees," which benefits the Sandhills Children's Center. Artist Alley will be participating in the festival again this year with donations of artwork and handcrafts from many of the artisans. A number of the donations may be previewed at the "Holiday Extravaganza" Nov. 7.

To add to the holiday magic, Jackson will grace visitors with her vocal stylings throughout the evening. Of course, refreshments will be served.

The gallery's regular hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through 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.