Museums and art centers can provide a quick, refreshing getaway as well as opportunities to pick up a holiday gift for someone you know or one for yourself while you’re at it. And since the purchases also benefit the organizations, it’s an extra holiday gift to the community. Check out your options:
Artworks Trenton. The annual Red Dot 10×10 Fundraising Exhibition features more than 100 small-scale works by emerging and established regional artists sold at $100 each to support the nonprofit arts center. Everett Alley and South Stockton Street, Trenton. No entrance fee. Works on view Tuesdays to Saturdays through January 7. Opening reception, Saturday, December 10, 6 to 9 p.m. artworkstrenton.org.
West Windsor Arts Council. Artists for Ukraine and Off The Wall are two art sale events already in process. The former includes work by 12 artists who have chosen to donate 100 percent of their proceeds to raise funds for Ukraine. The other is the opportunity to purchase 100 works of original art by 47 artists, all priced at $400 or less, and a large selection of handcrafted items made by 11 artisans including jewelry, women’s accessories, ceramics, and one-of-a-kind notecards. View works during regular hours, online, or on the following Ukrainian themed weekends days from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: December 10, 11, 17, and 18. 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor. westwindsorarts.org.
Morven. The Colonial-era mansion shop carries stationery, books, clothing and accessories, Morven-related items, and some surprises. 55 Stockton Street, Princeton. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 609-924-8144 or morven.org.
Grounds For Sculpture. In addition to its “Night Forms” light installation, the shop at the nationally known sculpture garden offers colorful scarves, men’s ties, art jigsaw puzzles, and items that commemorated the garden’s founder, sculptor J. Seward Johnson. Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. groundsforsculpture.org.
The New Jersey State Museum. The NJSM gift shop has many New Jersey-themed items, including ornaments featuring state symbols, scarves using the state symbol in stained glass design, books, hats and shirts by area artist Leon Rainbow, and a good number of fun items celebrating the state dinosaur. 205 West State Street, Trenton. Tuesday through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 609-292-6464 or nj.gov/state/museum.
The Trenton City Museum. The 19th-century mansion is home to Molly’s, the museum gift shop offering Trenton-related gifts, including artwork and books by Trenton and area artists. Cadwalader Park, Parkside and Stuyvesant avenues, Trenton. Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. 609-989-1191 or www.ellarslie.org.
The Old Barracks Museum. The shop in the historic 18th-century building takes visitors back to the Colonial-era objects and offers the chance to purchase tri-cornered hats, pens, and mugs. There are also books and recordings, as well as candy, teas, and Old Barracks souvenirs. 101 Barrack Street, Trenton. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 609-396-1776 or barracks.org.
Princeton University Art Museum. The museum shop a few blocks away at the corner of Palmer Square and Nassau Street provides the opportunity for shoppers to stop in for small gifts including candles, art picture puzzles, clothing accessories, and books. It’s open Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. artmuseum.princeton.edu.
Gallery 14. The photography collective’s gallery in Hopewell is currently presenting its “Members Holiday Show” through Sunday, December 18. The group is also hosting a boutique sale featuring photo prints and small gifts including calendars, note cards, clothing accessories, and jewelry. Open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m., through December 19. 14 Mercer Street, Hopewell. www.gallery14.org.
