Reiman Gardens is the hidden gem of all things floral, crafty and beautiful in Ames. It is a location open to the public year-round that serves as an oasis from any season with its wonderful gardens for exploring. This holiday season, visiting Reiman Gardens is a must as they host their first-ever Holiday Market. 

Reiman Gardens will have an open house full of 10 or more vendors with their art on display from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Ranging from hearts made with repurposed materials to handmade jewelry to painted stones, these artists will provide their unique art pieces along with some holiday twists, including ornaments and holiday cards. 

Pam Dyer, owner of “Old Parts-New Hearts,” carves wooden hearts and combines them with hardware to create fun, funky and beautiful pieces. Events like this are the perfect way to advertise her creations. 

“For me, it gives me a chance to introduce new people to my art,” Dyer said. 

For the holiday season, she turns the hearts upside down so they give the effect of a Christmas tree.

Another vendor, Betty Chamness Trost, is known for her hand-painted stones that are each uniquely created with hours of hard work and focus. She sells at various art events in the greater Des Moines and metro area all year round, including the downtown farmers market.

“It’s exciting to be part of a holiday market and share my stones with people,” Trost said. 

Not only is it a good way to show off their hard work, but also to ring in the approaching holiday season as a community. Trost’s art and many others are waiting to be discovered at this year’s holiday market. 

Along with the artistic vendors, visitors to the Holiday Market can also explore the RG Express Train Exhibit, which is one of only 18 North American displays of its kind. The display is created by Applied Imagination, an internationally recognized company whose train displays combine botanical design and architecture.

Free for students and members, others can grab a reasonably priced ticket online or at the door. Don’t miss this chance to shop the incredible work of these artists and experience the festive atmosphere as we enter into the holiday season.