North End Gallery in Leonardtown opens its 39th Annual Holiday Show on November 25, 2025, running through December 31, 2025, featuring small works and handcrafted items suited for holiday gifts from local artists.
The cooperative gallery at 41652 Fenwick Street will operate daily during the exhibition period, with hours Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Displays include ceramics, small paintings, silkscreen prints, pastels, framed photography, carved wood pieces, glass works, sculptures, ornaments, jewelry, wearable art, and greeting cards, all created by member artists.
Several events coincide with the show to draw visitors. The gallery extends hours to 8 p.m. on November 28, 2025, aligning with Leonardtown’s Christmas on the Square and Tree Lighting Ceremony, where festivities include live music, rides, and Santa’s arrival for the tree illumination. On November 29, 2025, the gallery participates in Small Business Saturday, open regular hours to encourage support for independent retailers nationwide.
A holiday reception takes place during Leonardtown’s First Friday on December 5, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., a monthly town-wide event where shops, restaurants, and galleries stay open late with specials and artist interactions. The show concludes with a jewelry trunk show on December 7, 2025, spotlighting works by Mickey Kunkle, Judy Larsen, and Kennedi Milan.
North End Gallery, a member-owned cooperative, represents more than 35 juried artists from Southern Maryland, focusing on original fine art and crafts across mediums like painting, pottery, jewelry, and sculpture. Located just off the Leonardtown Square in the town’s Arts and Entertainment District, it serves as a key venue for regional creatives. Monthly themed exhibitions change regularly, with receptions often timed to First Fridays, fostering community engagement through art sales and direct artist interactions.
The holiday show transforms the space with festive decorations, emphasizing affordable, unique pieces ideal for gift-giving. Items range from functional ceramics and wearable scarves to decorative ornaments and photography capturing local scenes. The cooperative model allows artists to staff the gallery, providing opportunities for buyers to discuss techniques and inspirations firsthand.
Leonardtown’s holiday calendar complements the gallery’s offerings. The November 28 tree lighting, sponsored by the Commissioners of Leonardtown, Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, and Leonardtown Business Association, typically features food vendors, crafts, and family activities around the square. First Fridays, organized by the Leonardtown Business Association, extend shopping hours across downtown, boosting foot traffic for galleries and boutiques.
North End Gallery traces its roots to the 1980s as St. Mary’s County’s longest-running artist cooperative. It has participated in the state’s Arts and Entertainment District since Leonardtown’s designation, benefiting from initiatives that promote cultural tourism. The gallery hosts workshops, plein air events, and collaborations, such as online classes during past restrictions.
Visitors parking near the square find options at nearby lots, with shuttle services sometimes available for larger events like the tree lighting. The gallery accepts various payment methods and ships items when needed.
This annual tradition highlights the role of artist cooperatives in preserving local craftsmanship amid broader retail trends. By focusing on handcrafted goods, the show supports Southern Maryland creators directly, with sales benefiting artists rather than intermediaries.
