LUNENBURG >> Local crafters and artists will celebrate their talents and creative art at a special Winter Artisan Showcase to be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Lunenburg Public Library, 1023 Massachusetts Ave.

Makers, artists, and small businesses are creating an interactive pop-up shopping experience just in time for the holidays.

Browse through items including soaps, candles, paintings, fiber goods, fresh baked snacks, leather crafts, home décor, and great gift ideas.

“Bring the whole family and join in the activities,” said Lydia Paolilli, assistant library director, Lunenburg Public Library.

A scavenger hunt, face painting, crafts for kids, a hot chocolate station, tic-tac-toe competitions, and games galore will be offered.

“Visitors can check out a leather craft demonstration, a beekeeping discussion and honey sampling, meet a local author and make a bookmark too,” Paolilli added. “Families can visit with Miss Debbie and Miss Joslyn in the Children’s Room for a special library craft.”

The library will have a super special visitor from the North Pole stop by before noon for photos with the children.

“Don’t forget to stay after the market ends for a free Celtic Christmas music concert in the library’s main hall at 2 p.m.,” said Paolilli.

Chris and Katie LaFond will perform a 75-minute live festive holiday concert on harp, flute and guitar.

“There will be a specialty hot chocolate bar on sale as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Lunenburg Library during the music concert as well,” Paolilli said.

Local artist Elise Wiley, a 38-year-old mother of three from Lunenburg, is excited to be participating in this special artisan showcase, along with the other artists and crafters.

“Art has always been a part of my life,” Wiley said. “Although I am very largely self-taught, I did grow up with an artist and can feel his influence anytime I am in the beginning stages of a new work.”

Wiley is a sword artist, and is pretty much what it sounds like.

“It is painting with the use of a sword,” she said with a smile.

Wiley says the result of letting go and embracing the sword has created beautiful, bold, colorful abstract, gestural images.

“They have been pieces I couldn’t have created any other way, and I love them,” Wiley said. “I still paint with regular brushes, too.”

Wiley believes that artisan festivals are an incredible way to connect to the community.

“I’ve met hundreds of people, both patrons and fellow artists. Many of the local artisans have become a little community unto themselves,” she said. We build each other up, find each other opportunities, and look forward to coming together to put on these events. Plus they are a great way for us to share what we do and our passions with wide variety of people.”

Please note that library services will be unavailable during these events. Vendors, and then musicians and concert seats, will be placed throughout the library restricting access to books, seating areas, and computer stations.

For more information on this event, or other library events, visit lunenburglibrary.org or call 978-582-4140.