For Kathy Boyland, a creator of botanical art made of tile and clay; nothing beats participating in Mistletoe Mart to start the holiday season.

With its festive atmosphere and cheerful crowd, the mart is always cheerful, she says.

"It's a perfect way to get into the holiday season," Boyland said. "The hours are very long ... but for some reason you don't feel you're working."

This will be Boyland's fifth year at the mart, Ascension Episcopal Church's annual craft show. It is a fact the Ijamsville-based artist is quite proud of, especially since it's not the mart's typical practice to have an artist over three years.

"I was told my work was unique," Boyland said with pride. "I am very busy getting ready this week. The kilns are going and clay is everywhere."

A tradition in Westminster for the last 35 years, Mistletoe Mart features 50 juried artists and crafters from around Maryland and neighboring states including Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

"We have 50 vendors in a number of rooms on two floors," said Sandy White, chairperson of publicity for the mart. "We don't have space for more, that's the problem. We can't accommodate them. Space is one of the things that limits us."

Every year, there are more artists who want to participate, White added.

"We have a waiting list of vendors who want to come in," White said.

Daphne Skaar feels lucky to be participating in her first Mistletoe Mart. The Frederick-based artist who specializes in gourd painting has hoped to be a part of the mart since moving to Maryland four years ago.

Skaar, who works full-time as a medical secretary, participates in craft shows every weekend throughout the fall season. With over 40 varieties of squash in existence, Skaar always has a different medium to paint.

"It's something different," Skaar said of her gourd paintings. "Of all the shows I go to, I rarely see another who does what I do."

A variety of other crafts will be available at the mart as well, including quilts, baskets, folk art and creative wood products. Tea will be served throughout the day and food, ranging from turkey salad to barbecue and homemade soups will also be available for sale.

"There is always a steady flow of people coming through, and they are pleasant," Boyland said. "And, they are buyers."

Boyland is also impressed with all the volunteers.

"The volunteers are absolutely such wonderful people," Boyland said. "The people really enjoy it. It is just so nice to be in that atmosphere."

The Mistletoe Mart runs Nov. 6-Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 23 N. Court St., Westminster. Admission is $5.00; children under 12, $1.

If you go ...
The annual Mistletoe Mart at Ascension Episcopal Church, 23 N. Court St., Westminster, will run Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 6-8. Hours are Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission will be $5 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. For more information call 410-848-3251 or visit the Web site www.mistletoemart.org.

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