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Love Local: Check Out this Holiday Guide from the High Museum Gift Shop

The shop’s manager has an Oprah-esque list of "Favorite Things" to help you find a unique gift for all your loved ones.

Published: 12/02/21

BY ELLIE HENSLEY

Still have items left on your holiday shopping list? Skip the online gift cards and the lengthy shipping times this season and find your friends and family a unique present here in Midtown. 

Hiding in plain sight at The High Museum of Art is a Gift Shop full of options, from art supplies to home decor and more. 

High Museum Gift Shop Manager Patricia Sampson has worked for the museum for 15 years, and helps curate its items.

Patricia Sampson, who has worked at the High Museum Gift Shop for 15 years and helps curate the items it sells, put together some holiday must-haves for everyone on your list. Here’s a few of her Favorite Things of 2021.

 

For the Promising Young Artist 

“We have lots of branded products, including colored pencils, a notepad and watercolors. They’re fun for any age, but we primarily focus them toward younger artists,” Sampson said.

 

For the Office Gift Exchange

The beautiful mature Gingko tree on the High Museum’s lawn graces the cover of one of its gift shop’s top sellers, a printed sketchpad. Sampson suggests pairing it with the shop’s graphite pencil.

 

 

For the Folk Art Enthusiast

The High Museum’s permanent collection includes some of the works of Clementine Hunter, a self-taught artist from Louisiana known for her paintings of Black Southern life. Now you can feature Hunter’s vibrant paintings on your Christmas tree with these beautiful blown glass ornaments.

 

For the New Homeowner

Tea towels are always a nice housewarming gift, recommends Sampson. The shop is currently selling several designs by American figurative artist Alex Katz, whose works are also part of the museum’s permanent collection. Other items to brighten up a new space include coasters or a memory game with designs by Louise Bourgeois, a large-scale sculpture and installation artist. 

 

 

For Mom (Or Anyone Who Loves to be Cozy)

The gift shop is winter-ready with all kinds of cold weather accessories, from branded beanies to scarves and suede gloves printed with designs by various artists. 

 

For the Bibliophile

The official portraits of President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are coming to the museum in early 2022. The Obama Portrait Catalog is a richly illustrated celebration of the portraits by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald that also tells the story of the Obamas’ love for art. Get tickets for the exhibit, which opens at the High Museum on January 14, 2021, here.

 

You don't have to be a member or a ticketholder to visit the High Museum Gift Shop. It is open to all visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. You can also shop the store online. 

Love Local

Arts and cultural organizations like the High Museum are ready to serve you, and they need your help this winter. From posting a positive Yelp review to posting pics of your experience on social media, there are many ways you can show how you "Love Local" in Midtown. Head over to this page for a list of ideas.

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