BY CHERYL SHUMWAY

North Country This Week

CANTON — If you are looking for holiday gifts at a great price and also support local artists with developmental disabilities, check out the Gallery of Art and Learning.

The G.O.A.L Gallery is a small shop located on Main St. Canton, across from the movie theater, filled with handmade Christmas decor, ornaments, and wreaths, as well as jewelry and other artwork for any season.

It is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The disabled clients of Arc of Jefferson-St. Lawrence participating in the program receive a commission on each product purchased by customers.

“What I really like in my job is how happy the clients are when they make, and especially when they sell their crafts,” said Cindy McCormick, The Arc instructor at the gallery.

The clients who make the gallery’s products come from around the county. They are excited to show customers around the shop.

“I like to be creative. I see a lot of people I know in the community who come here. I like selling art to the public, so they know what we do,” said Steven Sauter, a client from Canton.

Sauter proudly pointed out his paintings and other artwork.

“I like painting and sewing, and making tree ornaments with birds,” said Elsie Lalonde,  another client from Canton.

“I want to meet new people, make arts and crafts, and I love to paint. I learned how to hand sew pillows,” said Heuvelton resident Jessica Carroll.

The shop started over 10 years at 101 Main St, Canton, but it is still not well known, said McCormick. She is happy to spread the word of the gallery and its mission.

The missions of the program are to increase awareness of the talents of individuals with developmental disabilities and to teach transitional living skills to clients.