Gwinnett Daily Post

BUFORD -- These gifts give twofold.

Proceeds from artwork purchased this holiday season from the gallery at Tannery Row Artist Colony will benefit the Empty Stocking Fund.

Serving nine counties, including Gwinnett, the organization behind the fund provides Christmas gifts for children living at or below the poverty level who might not otherwise receive them.

"Everyone has kind of been hit pretty hard by the economy and we were all lamenting the 'starving artist' thing," said Tannery Row artist Sabrina Bland. "Obviously art is a luxury, not a need, but we were all reminding ourselves that others have it so much worse. It helps remind us this is a blessing that we have to be able to do what we love to do and there are people who just want to give their kids a gift for Christmas."

Fifty percent from all artwork sold from Dec. 2 through 22 will be donated to the Empty Stocking Fund. Work includes original acrylic, watercolor and oil paintings and handmade pottery.

"What better way to embody hope than to say, 'In these times we're going to go ahead and give,'" said Bland, who donates money to the Empty Stocking Fund each year. "This is a really good way to help people right here in our general area."

The gallery at Tannery Row Artist Colony is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and is at 554 W. Main St., Building C, in Buford. For more information on the artists and their work, visit www.tanneryrowartistcolony.com.