With the holiday season behind us, many art groups are recouping, recalibrating and getting geared up for some fun events to kick off the new year.

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council is making room for new projects and ideas and have decided to hold their annual yART Sale and Exchange on Sunday from 10-4.

“Everyone is invited to come rummage for deals,” said YAC Director Wayne Andrews. “Everything from artwork to supplies to tables and chairs.”

This is a sale with a twist as they are encouraging artists and locals to exchange artwork for supplies, furniture and other items. Artists and makers are encouraged to bring in items that never sold, didn’t glaze right or are just taking up limited space in their studios to the swap. Non-artists are encouraged to bring in stuff they want to exchange as well which leads to swapping, trading and exchanging making this a yard sale that is more interesting than the usual garage sale.

Having participated in several of the past events, I have seen people bring in art and go home with chairs, more art supplies and etc. Others who bring in household goods get to bring home original artwork to add to their collections.

You can participate in three ways: bring in stuff to swap, donate stuff because you cannot bear to have it in your closet anymore and just walk away, or stop by empty handed to pay reduced prices for supplies, art and anything else available.

The atmosphere is always fun as people rummage through art tools and gadgets, fight over artwork (just a little), comment on each other’s goods and overall have a good time.

A new addition to the sale this year is the inclusion of an indoor Oxford Maker’s Market sale. With the cooler weather the market moves inside for a few shows, and this one will be held on the Sunday instead of the regular Saturday market they hold each month.

Expect makers and artists of all types and disciplines including painters, blacksmith, woodworking, jewelers, seamstresses and more. If you have not been to a Maker’s Market before, now is your time to check it out. Usually held on the first Saturday of each month on the Courthouse Lawn in the Oxford Square, this market is a popular one with residents and tourists alike.

So, get out and support the creative economy in Oxford in 2017.

ANDI BEDSWORTH is owner of Art To Go, which brings free art opportunities to children in the community.