It’s not just about size, but that’s part of it. Price, as always, is a factor, too. At the heart of the Ah Haa School’s holiday art show is an ongoing effort to infuse the commercial holiday marketplace with the human touch of the artisan. Ah Haa is inviting local and regional artists to submit work for its 12” x 12” Made in Telluride show, which opens just before Noel Night, on Nov. 30. Ah Haa will also hold a reception on Dec. 6 during the community Noel Night celebration.

Submissions for the show are due by Nov. 27. The show is open to local and regional artists working in all media. The show complements the Telluride Artisans Guild bazaar on Dec. 8-10, and encourages artists to submit work for both.

The parameters for the show are intimated in its name, 12 inches x 12 inches (long skinny pieces are given some leeway), and artisans are encouraged to price their pieces to appeal to the holiday shopper and give people an attractive alternative to mass-market items.

“Ah Haa wants our holiday show to encourage artists to bring in less expensive, smaller items to promote the idea of giving original work as gifts,” said Julie McNair, Ah Haa’s curriculum and exhibitions director. “Not only is it wonderful to give and receive these gifts, but the show also is a great exposure opportunity for artists. Shoppers have a place to get something made in Telluride, not China, and see what their neighbors and friends can do.”

Depending on the quantity of work submitted, Ah Haa plans to accept about five from each artist. If pieces are small, possibly more could be accepted, and if they are larger sculptural pieces, five may be all the gallery can accommodate.

“It really depends on the space available,” said McNair.

Ah Haa is seeking a variety work for the show and invites artists to comb their studios, tap their imaginations and dig out that portfolio – whatever it takes to get original gift items into the hands of holiday shoppers.

“We love to have a mixture of pieces,” said McNair. “Artists are encouraged to look at the items from the buyers point of view, too. One year I put in some maquettes, small sculptures that were studies. I put a reasonable price on them and sold every one.”

To sidestep the slam of Noel Night shoppers and give folks a chance to peruse the work, 12” x 12” Made in Telluride will open Nov. 30 in the Silver Bell Gallery. Those interested in submitting for the show are asked to contact Ah Haa with a description of their work and drop off pieces at the school by Nov. 27.

For more information, call Ah Haa at 728-3886.