Good things come of small things, close constraints and tight deadlines - at least when applied to the right people, venues and subjects. Example #1: Consider the annual "5 by 7" show that the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild puts on in its Kleinert/James Arts Center. The opening, where most of the 200 works by local artists sell out fast, is set for Friday evening, December 5 from 5 to 7 p.m., alongside the town's annual Open House gala.

The works here are small, as befits the size limitations mentioned in its title, but concentrated. Among the artists set for inclusion this year are the likes of Gregory Amenoff, Nancy Azara, Jake Berthot, Donald Elder, Heather Hutchison, Melissa Meyer, Portia Munson, Jenny Nelson, Joan Snyder and others expected to drop off pieces in the coming week. Each piece sells for $100 and is anonymous until after purchase, lending a treasure-hunt aspect to the entire event. Plus, everyone's there for the opening, making for quite the raucous party.

The resulting exhibition - red dots denoting sales and all - stays up through Sunday, December 21. All proceeds support the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's cultural and community-oriented programs and special events. The Kleinert/James Arts Center is located at 34 Tinker Street, right off the Woodstock Village Green. For further information visit www.woodstockguild.org or call (845) 678-2940.

DCCC in Poughkeepsie hosts 37th annual Craft Fair this weekend

If you're looking for that perfect indescribable something for that similarly indescribable person on your shopping list - knowing that, no matter the time you spend thinking about such purposes, the right thing will never get listed - head over to Dutchess County Community College this coming Friday and Saturday for the annual DCCC Foundation Craft Fair.

Think pottery, weavings, decorations, beauty. The 37th annual Craft Fair is filled with returning and new artists providing original crafts. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, November 29 and 30 at Dutchess Community College at 53 Pendell Road in Poughkeepsie. Visit www.sunydutchess.edu for further information.