Shopping for Chanukah Gifts?
Check Out Art at the Center!

Purchasing eight gifts for each night of Chanukah can be a daunting task - especially if you would like to get something special for each member of your family.

But that need not be the case because shopping for unique Chanukah gifts can be as easy as stopping by the JCC to visit Betty and Michael Klapper at Art at the Center - the Judaica Gallery.

Art at the Center - the Judaica Gallery opened in the lobby of the JCC more than 12 years ago, shortly after the Klappers retired from their academic positions at The Ohio State University and Columbus Community College.

"We had been collecting art since we were students," said Michael, "and somewhere within the heart of every collector there is a dealer." Added Betty, "Moreover, we have been interested in the arts and the crafts of Jewish culture, and so there was a certain logic in opening a gallery that would provide Judaica items with a presence that demands aesthetic respect."

The couple said they are committed to sell well-designed ritual items, but they also bring to the community a collection that reflects the work of Jewish artists with wider cultural and aesthetic interest. "And so we have been selling paper cuts, prints, posters, jewelry, ritual objects, amulets, Yiddish and Israeli ephemera, fine books, and more," said Betty.

"We have enjoyed looking for elegant and funky items, modestly priced gifts or museum quality collector's objects, Jewish ceremonial objects in various media, antique or contemporary crafts. And in our travels we have been privileged to meet talented artists and crafters. But the greatest gifts the gallery has brought us are the pleasure our customers have expressed and the many new friends we have made both in the Columbus community and among our web site customers," she said.

The Klappers both point out that Chanukah is an especially good time to come to the gallery. "Artists have been wonderfully creative in designing the various objects associated with this holiday, and the gallery has a fine collection of dreidels, menorot and Chanukah gifts," said Michael.

For store hours and more information, contact the Klappers at Art at the Center at (614) 231-2731, ext. 273, or visit the shop's website at www.artatthecenter.com.