I hate shopping. I hate walking into a big box store to see thousands of items but literally nothing for the most special people on my list.

I love art markets. Unlike the big box store, an artisan market feels intimate. The crowds may be the same, but the people who make these goods take time to tell you all about their wares. Artists are happy to guide you in your search for the right gift for your mom who hates candles but loves incense or the little sister who just doesn’t like anything (speaking for myself).

Baltimore is a hub for immense creative talent. Artists and craftspeople make their work all year around, but the holiday season is when many are able to sustain their business for the next year.

Luckily, this city has plenty of opportunities to support artists during the season.

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imani.spence@thebaltimorebanner.com