Local art is always fun to get and give. If you've got someone on your holiday shopping list who has everything, or you just want to give a special gift that shows you put some thought into it, Art Mecca has something for every price range. Here are some of our favorites under $50.

Reversible Enameled Double Ring Pendant Necklace by Mackenzie King $48

Salt and Pepper Pinch Pot by Lazy J Pottery. $39

"Pier F" by Jonathan Jackson. Photographic Print $80

See more of our picks on our Holiday Gifts page or stop in and let us help you find just the right present for anyone on your list.

Alexis Larson uses tea and ink to create her unique and beautiful works of art. Larson's work is like hearing a cat purr, it's instantly calming and mesmerizing.

Alexis says the thing she loves about using tea as a medium is how diverse it is.  "I find it interesting to explore all that is has to offer and am still learning new things about it every day," she says. "Another plus to working with tea is that it is all natural and it makes my studio smell amazing."

 "I let the tea tell me where to go," Alexis says. "Each piece is unique. I like to describe my technique as natures watercolor." Alexis says she finds inspiration in nature and things that she finds beautiful. We love it that she uses Charleston-grown tea.

Alexis says she likes pairing the natural feel of the tea with different types of flora and fauna.  "That can range from the ocean to boats I see in the Charleston harbor or to some roses I get from the grocery store. I have also recently been getting inspiration from architecture and have been exploring what that has to offer," she says.

"This year I have been exploring and experimenting with all the different teas I can get my hands on," she says. "I have been creating a whole bunch of samples of each one to get an idea of what each one has to offer. I have also been exploring architecture more this year while still working with flowers and seeing how I can push the boundaries and bring more to my work."

"The art I have hanging in the Art Mecca is well rounded and a good representation of me as an artist," Alexis says. "From an architectural piece like St Philips Episcopal Church, to figure drawing and even flowers and boats, there is a lot of diversity hanging up at the Art Mecca.  There is also a lot of diversity within the tea.  For example, the tea used in St Philips Episcopal Church is from the Charleston Tea Plantation which is the only tea plantation in the US.  The color diversity within each piece is also great.  From light brown to deep blue each piece is quite unique and I think there is something there for everyone."