Merry & Bright Holiday Tidings from Shelby Nesmith at Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace

There’s something special about the holiday season in Kenosha — the lights glow a little brighter, the lakefront feels a little cozier, and our small businesses shine in a way only locals understand. From festive storefronts and family traditions to community events that bring everyone together, the people behind our shops, cafés, studios, and boutiques play a huge part in what makes this time of year feel magical.

In this series of holiday interviews, we sat down with a handful of Kenosha’s small business owners to hear how they celebrate the season — from their favorite local traditions to the ways they spread joy through their work. Their stories show exactly why supporting local isn’t just a purchase… it’s being part of something bigger.

Let’s spread some holiday cheer and get to know Shelby Nesmith, the executive director at Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace!

What are your favorite local holiday traditions or events in Kenosha?

Small Business Saturday is my favorite! There is an energy in the air that feels nostalgic, going from store to store in town. I also love to pick up a treat or two to bring to all the upcoming gatherings at Kenosha HarborMarket.

Do you have any special holiday traditions or themes for your business this year?


We are always about supporting local artists, and we are trying to provide more access to shop from local artists this year by being open Monday-Sunday from 11am-5pm from Dec 1st to Dec 24th!

How does your business collaborate with other Kenosha businesses during the holidays?

This year, we have partnered with East View Coffee Company and The Sipster through our Café, Crafting, and Christmas event held on Dec 13th from 11am-9pm. We are also working with over 50 local artists for our Artistree Giftable Art Show.

What role does your business play in making Kenosha a festive destination?

We play the role of a place to slow down, creating art through our classes or public clay studio with friends and family.  We also play the role of a cozy place to get a handmade, unique present made by local artists.

Can you share a story about how your business has positively impacted someone’s holiday or a favorite holiday memory connected to your business?


During the holidays, we often have returning customers who tell us they recently visited with a partner, friend, or family member who fell in love with a particular piece of art. The customer then wants to buy that artwork as a surprise gift for them. It makes us feel like a secret Santa Claus!

How does your team celebrate the holidays together? Any fun traditions?

We always wear festive headbands during our opening of Artistree as well as our Café, Crafting, and Christmas event. It's never a hard day when you have a mini Christmas tree on your head. We also do gift giving, which is usually a favorite item that we saw in Artistree.

What do you love most about interacting with the community during the Holidays?

I get to see faces light up in different ways: "Oh, this gift is perfect for my daughter!", "I have a check - you mean I sold my artwork!", and "I love working with clay, and I'm going to make all my presents this year!". Seeing this support and love for the arts always warms my heart.

What do your customers seem to love most about your business during the Holidays?

The people! Our friendly staff is always ready to help you find what you are looking for and let you know the artist behind the work. Our class instructors are amazing at easing you out of the holiday tension with a warm approach to all the classes offered.

How do you thank your customers for their support during the holiday season?

We provide complimentary holiday wrapping on all items purchased till December 24th, as well as complimentary warm beverages while customers shop.

What do you think surprises out-of-towners most about Kenosha during the holidays?



We always get people who are surprised at the artistic talent in our community. I also think we surprise people with how supportive we are as a community and how we truly uplift one another.

How can the community support Kenosha businesses like yours this holiday season?

Shopping at the gallery overall, but we also accept donations since we are a non-profit. Monetary donations are welcome, but we are always in need of paper towels, ziplock bags, toilet paper, and printer paper if you are looking to donate specific items.

What’s the best holiday gift you’ve ever received?

I got a 1998 Barbie Deluxe Dreamhouse and loved that thing to pieces. Later on, I found out that my mom waited in line for it for hours in the cold and wasn't sure she was even going to get it, as they never disclosed how many they had in stock. There were 4 in the store, and she was 4th in line! In hindsight, it really makes that moment of it being gifted so much more special.

Do you have a favorite childhood holiday memory?

I remember sitting on Santa's lap one year, about 6-7 years old, and I ended my wish list by saying, "and world peace!" Santa paused, looked at the elf next to him, back at me, and said, "Are you practicing to be Miss America?" Everyone laughed, but I never got it till later.

Is there a holiday tradition from your childhood you still celebrate today?
What’s your favorite holiday treat or dessert?

My mom loves baking, so I always remember her making holiday plates with fudge, peppermint bark, chocolate-dipped pretzels, peanut butter blossoms, brownies, and sugar cookies to give out as presents. I would always get the extra/broken parts as she was assembling the plates.

What’s your favorite holiday movie or TV special?

I was obsessed with Frosty the Snowman as a kid! I broke a VHS tape from watching it so much.

Real tree or artificial tree — which do you prefer and why?

Fake, have you ever gotten a pine needle stuck in your foot...

Ugly sweater fan or avoid them at all costs?

LOVE!

Have you ever had a holiday mishap or funny story you can share?

When I was 2 years old, my mom put fake snow around a pair of boots to make footprints and made it look like Santa came into our house to drop off presents. I was not amused and kept saying "Santa made-a mess" and pointing at the footprints whenever I looked at it.

Eggnog, yes or no, and why?


No, if I'm gonna wreck my tummy, it's gonna be with hot cocoa.

Naughty or nice?

Nice?

Visit Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace this holiday season and year-round!

Address: 4601 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, WI 53140

Website: lemonstreetgallery.org

Getting to know the people behind Kenosha’s small businesses reminds us why this community is so special. Each owner brings their own story, passion, and personality to what they do — and that’s a big part of what makes visiting Kenosha such a meaningful experience.

As you enjoy the holiday season, we invite you to stop in, say hello, learn their stories, and support the work they pour their hearts into. Every conversation, every visit, and every purchase helps these business owners continue doing what they love while keeping Kenosha vibrant and welcoming.

This is what makes exploring Kenosha unique: you don’t just shop here — you connect here.

Happy Holidays, and thanks for supporting the people who make Kenosha truly worth visiting.