Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum hosted annual Holiday Open House

Christmas is the time of year for family, friends, and gift-giving and the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum provided that atmosphere by hosting their annual Holiday Open House with unique gifts everyone can enjoy.

The holiday season is in full swing and what better way to get into the spirit than to get started on Christmas shopping at the annual Holiday Open House at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. “Color Street makes a great stocking stuffer.”

Customers aren’t the only ones leaving with a smile, the open house benefits small businesses as well. To honor them, the museum focused on businesses who use the Mississippi Gulf Coast as an inspiration for their art work. Owner of Studio 309 Richard Szucki and Grace Jaeger said, “I started out as a traditional artist, painting acrylics and stuff and then with COVID-19, I got into resin. I started doing it and Richard fell in love with it too. So, he makes all of the jewelry and all of the ornaments. I make the bigger pieces and he makes things like the frames and all of that. So, we work together. We moved here to Mississippi two years ago to be at the beach. So, I make a lot of shell art.”

Not only was the Holiday Open House free to the public, but it supported small local businesses by allowing them to set up and sell their produces without a vendor fee.

Vendors tell News 25 they are very thankful for the opportunity to attend the Holiday Open House. Lorrie’s Lovely Nails from Color Street Owner Lorrie Caillouette said, “We had a good day. It was very good here. I’m thankful that they were able to have the event today and people have come in and supported us and we really appreciate it.”

“I just want to thank the museum for putting this on. There aren’t a lot of places that don’t charge vendor fees. We came in. We’re able to do this. They are very open and cooperative. We’ve really enjoyed the location here.”

If you missed out on this shopping experience, don’t fret. You can still give back and shop local to find the perfect gift for those on your Christmas list.