Annual Christmastime at the Fine Line Show opens Nov. 30

The Fine Line Creative Arts Center's annual artisan gift sale, "Christmastime at the Fine Line Show," opens from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30.

Now in its 31st year, each year is bigger and brighter than the year before. With an abundance of locally handcrafted items, it is the perfect place to begin your holiday shopping.

Fine Line is home to a diverse community of highly skilled artists, which is reflected in the full range of items at this sale.

Find many one-off unusual things you will not see anywhere else, as well as the more traditional items such as handwoven scarves, pottery, jewelry, seasonal decorations.

For the artist to be part of this gift sale, their work has to be screened by a group of their peers to ensure the highest standard of craftsmanship.

It is always a party atmosphere with hot cider and snacks available as attendees browse the plethora of goods.

The rooms are decked out with holiday cheer, and seasonal music plays throughout the evening.

The show is open daily through Saturday, Dec. 8. Hours are: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 3-7; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8, at the arts center, 37W570 Bolcum Road, west of Randall Road, St. Charles.

Admission is free. For information, visit fineline.org or call (630) 584-9443. Follow www.facebook.com/finelinecreativeartscenter/

Fine Line opened its doors in September 1979 as a small gallery on James Street in Geneva. The founder, Denise Kavanagh, belonged to the School Sisters of St. Francis, an order of nuns devoted to teaching children and supporting women. She had been a school principal and after retiring at the age of 40, went on to pursue her dream of exploring her creative spirit.

As a student at Northern Illinois University she quickly discovered that weaving was her passion. She brought a loom to the gallery and soon visitors asked if she would teach them to weave. That was the beginning of Fine Line as a teaching center.

In 1986, the Fine Line moved to a restored barn on four acres in the St. Charles countryside. The acreage and barn were donated to the School Sisters of St. Francis by Lawrence Dempsey.

Kavanagh was joined by two fellow School Sisters of St. Francis and in December, the first "Christmastime in the Barn: Members Show and Sale" (now known as "Christmastime at Fine Line Holiday Show and Sale") drew hundreds of people.

Every October, a national juried show, "Uncommon Threads," features the work of fiber artists from across the country, and attracts as many as 600 art-to-wear enthusiasts. More than 100 volunteers each year combine their talents to make this event a success.

In 1999, they added the Kavanagh building that houses the Kavanagh Gallery and five additional studios.

Today, Fine Line is one of only a few regional art centers in the area. Professional artists teach a variety of classes and workshops.

The membership and students draws from the Chicago area and surrounding states. There are as many as 1,300 students a year, a teaching staff of 40-plus and well over 200 class offerings a year.

Artists at Christmastime at the Fine Line

Kris Anderson, Valerie Anderson, Marjorie Baie, Charmain Benton, Debbie Bergquist, Lisa Bessler, Dorie Blankenship, Connie Blieszner, Mary Jane Budris

Betty Carbol, Monica Casey, Jennifer Chou, Jane Cooper, Rachel Davis, Ron Diller, Jo Dresden, Beth Duncan, Barbara Dyche, Carol Dykstra, Ruth Dykstra, Claudia Engel-Rush, Nancy Flory

Cherylyn Gnadt, Janet Gregory, Robb Gries, Lori Hartenhoff, Susan Infante, Terri Jacobsen, Barbara Johnson, Ellen Judson

Sara Kaetzer, Denise Karabowicz, Carol Kazwick, Christine Klauba, Dagmar Klos, Nancy Krahn, Mimi Krall, Robert Krzwczyk, Kathi Kuchler

Cathy Lawrence, Danuta Loane, Lisa Lockhart, Kathryn Manna, Jim Manna, Lynn McAdams, Mariana McCullough, Mary Merges, Larry Murray

Debra Newberg, Maryellen Newton, Debbie Noffsinger, Theresa Nollette, Michele O'Reilly, Faith Oriold, Lauren Orr

Marianne Picha, Ellen Phillips, Barbara Powell, Karla Ray, Michelle Rose, Jenny Ross

Jill Schneeberger, Louise Sherman, Elizabeth Shiver, Amy Simpson, Ann Sutherland

Eileen Walsma, Jeff Walsma, Nancy Weill, Heather Winslow, and Ray Yarema