Aurora Historical Society offers holiday emporium

Popup shops for the holidays aren’t just for the malls this year.

They’re also at the Aurora Historical Society, where shoppers will find the works of a dozen local artists and artisans, Aurora-themed merchandise from the historical society, and the elegant wares of the Aurora Public Art Commission.

Located within gallery space at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place in downtown Aurora, Aurora Aglow: A Popup Emporium offers handmade and vintage clothing and textiles, and decorative items from sleek to shabby chic. Other items include paintings and photography of local scenes, books, greeting cards, jewelry, pottery, wood crafts and music.

Historical society merchandise features the immortal goddess of the dawn, Aurora, as well as the 1960s cartoon character Andy Aurora and other Aurora memorabilia. Shoppers can find clothing, jewelry, small toys, books, posters and recordings not available anywhere else. Some items are available online at aurorahistory.net.

“We want people to ‘shop Aurora first.’ This is not just a boon for holiday shoppers, but a boost for our local artists and our downtown,” said curator Jennifer Putzier, who is managing the venture. “Downer Place is open again after a long eight months of bridge reconstruction, and parking is free across the street in the Stolp parking deck with validation from the gift shop.”

Holiday hours for Aurora Aglow are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays and until 7 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 23. Historical society members receive a 10 percent discount. For information, contact the Aurora Historical Society at (630) 906-0650, aurorahistory.net or Facebook.com/AuroraHistory.