Fed up with the seasonal scrum known as holiday shopping? If so, here’s a tip: Try visiting one or more of the holiday sales organized by local artists and arts groups. Though largely invisible for most of the year, many artists and artisans emerge from their studios during the holidays bearing gifts worthy of the Three Wise Men: brightly colored glass and ceramics, gold and silver jewelry, hand-knitted scarves and sweaters, playfully decorated frames and mirrors, and household accessories of all shapes and sizes.

For sheer variety, it’s hard to beat the annual Holiday Alumni Art Sale organized by the Rhode Island School of Design. Packed with more than 200 exhibitors selling everything from prints and paintings to clothing and housewares, the sale takes place Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. Savvy shoppers should also check out the Foundry Artists Holiday Show at the Pawtucket Armory (Dec. 7-16) and the annual Craftland sale in downtown Providence (Dec. 1-22). (See below for more details.)

In the meantime, here’s a look at six local elves — oops! we mean artists — whose work might end up decking your halls this holiday season. Enjoy!