’Tis the season for giving, and while most businesses are opening their doors to holiday shoppers, the Gallery at 100 Market Street is sending patrons elsewhere. The gallery’s newest show, “The Art Directory Exhibition,” provides a guide for people to discover work and events happening around the Seacoast. Local galleries, individual artists, art tours and open studios were invited to submit samples of work and promotional materials like brochures, postcards and flyers. Without taking a commission, the gallery is offering direct sales and contact with the artists and other galleries. Organizers are billing the show as the 411 for information on artistic happenings throughout the Seacoast. “The Art Directory Exhibition” will run through Jan. 29.    

“People who venture into the Gallery at 100 Market Street can get a taste of all the different artists, pick up a tour date, find out what else is going on and get connected to people involved in the art world on the Seacoast,” said Jeanne McCartin, curator for the exhibit. Michael Simchik, owner of 100 Market Street, and the McLane Law Firm are financially backing the show.

“The Seacoast is an art-rich community because it’s rich with artists,” Simchik stated in a press release for the event. “Getting their work and businesses before the public is the only way to insure this community maintains that element that has come to define it.” 

The show offers a smorgasbord of artistic mediums to satisfy the most varied tastes. The works on display include paintings, photographs, sculptures and mixed media pieces. But, through the information available, people can find artists making jewelry, pottery, furniture, metal work, carvings, textile arts and glass objects.  

All the informational materials are on the second floor landing in 100 Market Street and can be picked up seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Also, the promotional brochures, flyers and postcards can be picked up during regular working hours in the offices of the McLane Law Firm, on the third floor. But, be warned: there are not always staff members present to explain the exhibit.

What this exhibition lacks in traditional amenities, it makes up for in generous spirit. The holidays are a crucial time for art businesses, and many individual artists depend on this season for a good chunk of their yearly income, according to McCartin. Simchik and the Gallery at 100 Market Street offer space without cost to the galleries and artists. Simchik insures the work, pays the curators and provides professional hanging service. According to McCartin, Simchik is such an enthusiastic supporter, in part, because he enjoys being around the artists and art enthusiasts. “It doesn’t make him money. He is trying to support something with no ulterior motive,” McCartin said.

Participants include the Kittery Artwalk, York Sudio, the Portsmouth Holiday Tours, Salmon Falls Mills, the Button Factory, the Wentworth School Open Studio Events, Bobbi Slavin and Roz Fedeli solo studio openings, Three Graces, Nachotta, The Banks Gallery, the George Marshall Store, ellO, Alexander Lake and the Don Gorvette Gallery.