Dorchester Center for the Arts is pleased to present The Merry Market holiday artisan show and sale, continuing in the gallery through Dec. 23.

One of the market vendors is Cambridge native Kayla Allen who is a plein air painter/traveler of “van life.” Her mission is to travel to each of the U.S. National Parks and do plein air painting as she sells/prints her work. She was at DCA’s Showcase this year and had a great experience connecting with people about her work. Her website is thecolorfulkayak.com. She is also a previous instructor in DCA’s youth summer arts program held throughout Dorchester County.

“I think the most enchanting aspect of art is the process,” states Kayla. “Watching someone turn a blank canvas into SOMETHING makes me believe in magic. This magic is even more endearing when the blank canvas is transformed by my own hands.”

Kayla also works in what is called live painting, a form of entertainment appropriate for all events. She offers live painting at weddings, business meetings, restaurants and more, providing a final unique piece of art with the goal of capturing the feeling and emotion of the important event.

The Merry Market shopping experience will also include the whimsical jewelry of Joyce Fritz-Ritz, who creates her pieces by sculpting wire around gemstones, glass and beads; festive holiday centerpiece arrangements by Jean Smith; a variety of original prints, collage and paintings from Sheryl Southwick; multi-media woven work by Jo Ebling; wooden bowls and grinders by Bill Pavan; hand-painted decorative gourds by Sheilah Egan; jewelry and coastal décor from Nora Drayton; woven sculpture by Heidi Wetzel; painted terracotta planters by Jennifer Hartfield; candles by Aubrey of Flora and Fauna; and so much more.

Join DCA for the Second Saturday reception Dec. 10 from 5-7 p.m. with festive refreshments, live music and an opportunity to meet the featured artists. Discover what you may find for you and your loved ones this holiday season. Dorchester Center for the Arts is committed to supporting and uplifting our local artists. Come see what The Merry Market has to offer.

For more information and additional activities at the Dorchester Center for the Arts, stop by 321 High Street, call 410-228-7782 or visit online at dorchesterarts.org. DCA is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.

Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council. Find DCA on Facebook.