The Kirkland Arts Center, a nonprofit gallery and visual arts school on the corner of Market Street and 7th Avenue, is opening its historic doors to the Kirkland community for a Holiday Art Market and open house from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 7.

Community members are invited to tour the Peter Kirk Building, a charming 121 year old Victorian brick structure constructed by Kirkland’s founder, Peter Kirk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Demonstrations in ceramics, printmaking and watercolor will be featured in various KAC studios throughout the day culminating with an Iron Potter competition in the ceramics studio at 5 p.m. Drew Nicklas, a returning Iron Potter contender from 2010, and teammate Merilee Mendrick will face off against new challengers Robert Moreno and Rupa Palasamudram in an exciting timed sculpting challenge. To make the competition even more challenging, participants won’t know this year’s required theme until MC Pat Colyar announces it at the beginning of the event. The two sculpting teams will only have two hours to plan, sculpt, and wow the crowd before this year’s champion is crowned.

Visitors are also invited to browse from a wide range of unique, handmade works from local artists in KAC’s beautifully-lit Skylight Room. Crafts and activities will be available for children while their parents shop. Ceramic works by Kirkland Arts Center students and instructors will also be for sale in the KAC Gallery, where visitors can enjoy live music and the new “Gone to the Dogs” Exhibit, plus drinks during the 5 p.m. “Yappy Hour.”

For more information on the open house, Kirkland Arts Center, or accessibility at KAC, call 425-822-7161.