From little Santas to wood furniture, the Artisans at the Dahmen Barn sure know how to celebrate the holidays. The Uniontown art barn will host its annual gift show and sale Dec. 11 – 28, with a reception from 1 – 3 p.m. Sunday.

“This is our annual exhibit with our resident artist’s new work,” said Julie Hartwig, the gallery’s exhibit coordinator. “We will also have some new artists selling their work at this show.”

The show has a wide selection of items, from paintings to furniture to ceramics, Hartwig said.

“We have pastel paintings, oil paintings, watercolors, pottery, fiber art, ceramics,” she said. “The easiest way to explain it is a Christmas art show.”

Chuck Spurgeon, a new artist to the show will sell his wood furniture made from reclaimed wood.

“Typically I use distressed wood that most people get rid of,” Spurgeon said.

Spurgeon said he tries to get his inspiration from the materials he’s given, so each piece is unique.

“I make benches, tables, railings, different things that come to me,” he said. “Different wood gives me different inspiration.”

Spurgeon also constructs houses, and he said he includes some of his wood work in the houses.

“Recently I made a breakfast bar out of distressed maple and a handrail out of black walnut and hickory,” he said.

Like any artist, Spurgeon has his own taste and style. He said he likes to get contrast in his pieces by using multiple types of wood.

Returning artist Mary Lou Wayne, who has been sculpting for 18 years, creates hand-sculpted clay figurines. These figurines are not merely sculpted clay, however. Wayne makes each one unique by adding small personal touches; no two are alike.

“I go to flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores, and antique shops to get small items to put in Santa’s bag,” she said. “This helps to add to the character of the piece, and give them an antique feel.”

Wayne uses old coats and quilts to make the clothing and furniture for her figurines. She said she doesn’t like to ruin new cloths or blankets for her crafts. Instead, she’d rather repurpose old materials.

However, Wayne’s collection is not limited to Santas. Her work covers all four seasons.

“I make Santas and angels and ornaments this time of year,” she said. “In the spring I do fairies and elves.”

Art galleries like the Dahmen barn are popular among artists and shoppers because customers know the items will be good products since they are hand-made, Wayne said.

“I like that (the art barn) is a gallery setting,” Wayne said. “It enhances the quality.”

During the reception, locally-made food will be available to sample and the local barbershop quartet Four Names in a Hat will perform. The reception is an opportunity to meet the artisans participating in the show.

The Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all week. Admission is free.