Photo courtesy of cartoloji

It’s the holiday season, so that means you’re on the search—possibly at the last minute—for gifts for friends and family. Over the course of the next few weeks, we’re going to dig up the D.C.-made and D.C.-themed gifts that we’d love to get—and would be sure to give. If anything catches your eye that you think would be worth including, feel free to send it along.

The Downtown Holiday Market (8th and F Streets NW) is in full swing, with artists and exhibitors selling their goods every day from noon to 8:00 p.m. through December 23.

Wandering the stalls of the market last night, we found some unique and interesting D.C. pillows, screen prints, and photography that we wouldn’t mind finding under the tree. Act quick though, some of these artists finish their time at the holiday market this Wednesday and Thursday.

Pillows
At first glance, the pillows at the cartoloji booth, manned by artist Bhaval Shah Bell, look like abstract splashes of color and lines. But look closer and you see coastlines, rivers, and land. Mesmerizing in its simplicity, the cartoloji D.C. pillow (pictured in this post) would easily enhance any couch, from Capitol Hill to Columbia Heights, to the far reaches of the city. The pillows, which usually sell for $65, are $40 while at the market. Located in booth #22, exhibiting through this Wednesday, December 5.

Screen Prints
Charlie Barton’s screen prints, packaged as Art by Barton, take recognizable D.C. scenes and add new layers of depth, texture, and drama. In one print he seamlessly replaces the sky above the Capitol with the ceiling of the D.C. metro, merging iconic images of the city in a new and powerful way. In another, while the Capitol remains the focus, the mood and perspective is transformed. Located in booth #37 through this Thursday, December 6.

Photography
Joe Shymanski’s photos tell stories. Whether it’s a playful holiday scene of Lego Stormtroopers against the backdrop of the Capitol or a deteriorating poster of President Obama, his images stop you and draw you in. Whether you’re left grinning or contemplating, his photos make an impact. Located at booth #5 through December 23.

Check out the rest of our Capital Gifts series, which so far has included D.C. soap, a D.C. shaped cutting board, drinking glasses etched with a D.C. map, and D.C. map earrings.