Holiday Art in the Village | November 29th - December 12th
A special community event invitation from Bev Semmann and Jacy Eckerman
This holiday season, Cambridge is coming together for a magical celebration that combines art, shopping, and holiday cheer—all while supporting two important local causes: The Cambridge Food Pantry and the Collaborative 523 Business Education Grant Program.
Event Overview
Holiday Art in the Village: Christmas Edition runs from Small Business Saturday (November 29th) through Friday, December 12th, with the bulk of activities taking place the first weekend of December.
What's Happening
Local artists will paint large wooden ornaments featuring the theme "Winter in the Village." These beautiful pieces will be displayed in shop windows throughout downtown Cambridge and will be available for purchase through a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Cambridge Food Pantry and Collaborative 523 Scholarship Program.
Ornament Theme: Winter in the Village
Artists are encouraged to capture the charm of wintertime in Cambridge:
Cozy streets and small-town warmth
Snow-covered scenes
Ice skating and winter activities
Winter hikes through our beautiful landscapes
Snow-covered trees
Street lanterns glowing in the evening
Piping hot holiday cider or cocoa
The spirit of the season in our village
Event Timeline
November 29th - December 12th: Ornaments on display in business windows throughout the village
First Weekend of December features:
Annual Tree Lighting (Organized by the Cambridge Lion’s Club)
Cookie Walk (Sponsored by Rowe Pottery & Cambridge Market, Friday, December 5th, 4-6pm)
Horse-Drawn Carriages (Arranged by Koshkonong Solar, Saturday, December 6th)
NEW Art Walk (Organized by Art Hub & Rowe Pottery, Saturday, December 6th)
And much more!
December 12th: Final day - businesses take down ornaments and bid sheets, bring them to Cambridge Market for winner notification
How the Silent Auction Works
Ornaments will be displayed in your shop window from November 29th - December 12th
Your business will be provided with silent auction bid forms
Visitors can view ornaments and place bids throughout the display period
On December 12th, you'll take down the ornament and bid sheet and bring them to Cambridge Market
Cambridge Market will notify the winning bidder and process payment
How Your Business Can Participate
Host an Ornament Display a painted/decorated ornament in your shop window, highlight it with holiday lighting and décor, and be featured on the Art Walk Map. This brings additional foot traffic to your business as visitors travel Main Street for ornament viewing, bidding, and holiday shopping.
Decorate an Ornament Do you or someone on your team have artistic talent? Sign up to paint one of the wooden ornaments! This is a wonderful way to showcase your creativity while supporting our community.
Be a Cookie Walk Stop Host guests on Friday, December 5th from 4-6pm. Only 100 tickets will be offered for this special event, making it an intimate and festive experience. Cookie Walk participants will pick up their purchased cookie tin at Rowe Pottery and then visit multiple stops throughout the village, sampling treats and enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
Add Holiday Cheer
Offer a seasonal promotion
Host holiday treats or refreshments
Create an in-store holiday activity
Provide special shopping hours
Feature local products or gift ideas
Spread the Word Share photos of your ornament display and the event on social media using the hashtag #artinthevillagecambridgewi. Help us create buzz and draw visitors to Cambridge!
Why Participate?
Support Local Causes - Proceeds benefit the Cambridge Food Pantry and the Grow Cambridge Business Education Grant Program
Celebrate Our Art Heritage - Cambridge has a rich artistic tradition, and this event honors that legacy
Attract Holiday Shoppers - Draw additional foot traffic during the busy holiday shopping season
Gain Visibility - Be featured on event maps, promotional materials, and marketing coverage
Create Community Magic - Be part of a village-wide celebration that brings people together
Art Walk Maps
Detailed Art Walk Maps will be provided to help visitors navigate the ornament displays throughout the village. Your business will be marked on the map, making it easy for art enthusiasts and holiday shoppers to find you.
Important Deadline
Sign up NOW!
Complete the Holiday Art in the Village Business Participation Form
Note: This is also the signup form if you'd like to be a Cookie Walk stop on December 5th.
Let's Create Magic Together
This is your opportunity to be part of something truly special. This festive, community-wide event celebrates art, supports worthy causes, and draws visitors to Cambridge during the most wonderful time of the year.
Together, we'll create a magical holiday atmosphere that showcases the warmth, creativity, and community spirit that make Cambridge such a special place to do business.
Questions?
Contact Bev Semmann or Jacy Eckerman, or reach out to Collaborative 523 at collaborative523@gmail.com.
This event is supported by the Shop Small initiative and Collaborative 523 Inc.
We hope you'll join us in making this holiday season unforgettable!
