Artists Exchange Hosts 8th Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, 12/1

Artists' Exchange announces its 8th annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest! The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 1st from 9am to 6pm at Artists' Exchange at 50 Rolfe Square in Cranston.

How does it work? Participants start with a simple graham cracker construction and craft it into a work of art. Armed with thirty minutes and access to heaping supplies of frosting and a variety of colorful candy, the possibilities are endless. And with no age limit, everyone is invited to join in on the fun. While participants can take their houses home that day, they are invited to submit their creations for judging in their corresponding age category. Families can also opt to work on a house together and be judged in a separate family category. Participating houses will be photographed and the winners will be announced online by Monday, December 3rd. Prizes include free classes at Artists' Exchange, valued at up to $200.

"Gingerbread house making is an old world craft. It has been around for ages. So it's really fun to take a modern spin on it, creating a fun and high energy event around a classic holiday tradition," says Karen Bouchard, the event's coordinator and Visual Arts Director at Artists' Exchange. Bouchard says attendance grows every year, so she and the staff are gearing up for a crowd. Construction has already begun, and with the help of volunteers, Artists' Exchange plans to reach a goal of 600 houses by the week before the event. The studios will then be transformed into a holiday wonderland, creating an atmosphere designed to inspire childlike wonder and creativity.

Also included in the weekend's festivities will be holiday crafts, grab bags, raffles, face painting and a series of holiday photo booths. Local professional photographer Nicole Gesmondi will be on hand to photograph attendees interacting with a mural depicting the Abominable Snowman, posing in front of a giant gingerbread house, or commemorating the day with a photo of their completed gingerbread creations. All class registrations processed on the day of the event will qualify for 20 percent off tuition.

The cost for participating in the 8th annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest is $12 per house. Reservations are strongly recommended. For reservations, call 401.490.9475. For more information, visit www.artists-exchange.org. Artists' Exchange is located at 50 Rolfe Square in Cranston.

Artists' Exchange is a nonprofit arts collaborative whose mission is to create an atmosphere in which creativity, learning, and discovery converge and individuality is celebrated. Artists' Exchange houses The Black Box Theatre and multiple art studios, as well as a gallery, art boutique and café, and offers enriching classes and weekly events in art, theatre, music and film.

Artists' Exchange is owned and operated by Gateways to Change; a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing of the quality of life for all human beings.

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