Print edition: 
There's something about giving original art as a gift that says thoughtful, meaningful, special.
While retail boutiques and electronic stores serve the needs of many holiday shoppers just fine, it's hard to match the charm of a one-of-a-kind gift bought at an art gallery.
Wichita has dozens of galleries in all parts of the city. Many are having holiday open houses, receptions or special shows this time of year to cater to people seeking unusual or special gifts.
Novices who enter an art gallery looking for one gift often leave with more after they discover the varied selection and price points, said Amy Herd, owner of Artifacts gallery, 4729 E. Douglas.
"A lot of people want unique or original gifts and just don't realize what's available at an art gallery," she said. "We have everything from jewelry to ceramics, glass art, prints, photography. ... There are things for $5 all the way up to $5,000."
Herd is opening her gallery from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays this month to reach out to holiday shoppers. This Sunday, for example, her cousin, Kansas crop artist Stan Herd, will be on hand to talk about his upcoming film, "Earthworks." Next week she'll feature the works of several Kansas artists who created art inspired by the University of Kansas campus.
Gallery XII, in downtown Wichita, hopes holiday shoppers will attend this month's Final Friday reception on Dec. 18 to look for gifts. (The actual final Friday of this month falls on Christmas Day.)
"This is an important time of the year for us," said Harry Williford, treasurer of the 18-member cooperative that owns Gallery XII. "We're here for people who enjoy original art, or don't want to get a special gift from a large store or the mall.
"We tell people that this is all original art; we don't sell copies."
The gallery prides itself on selling affordable art, he said. It has many pieces for less than $100.
Mead Street Gallery in Old Town also is emphasizing affordability this month with its Small Works Show, which showcases art no larger than 14x18 inches, said Nancy Arroyo, a partner in the eight-member cooperative.
The exhibit will be up through December.
Art, said Herd with Artifacts gallery, makes a great gift because it's so personal and original.
There are other benefits, too, she said.
"You might outgrow that sweater or lose interest in that video game, but art is something that keeps on giving. It retains its value, you can pass it on, it is something that lasts for many, many years."
Tips for buying original art as a gift
1. Get over any intimidation you might feel about entering an art gallery. You can browse as much as you would at any other store. Owners want you to feel comfortable and welcome.
2. It helps to know the tastes of the recipient, especially for a large painting or sculpture that requires a place of prominence in a house or office. Consider items like pottery, ceramics or small paintings for people you don't know very well.
3. Once you've selected a piece, ask the gallery staff to provide you with the name and background of the artist so you can share it with the recipient.
4. Ask a gallery what kind of return policy they have in case the recipient's tastes are different from what you thought. Explain that you are giving the piece as a gift.
