STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — With the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the rearview mirror, hundreds enjoyed a relaxing day shopping for gifts made by local artists, while sampling foods prepared by local cooks at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden’s Holiday Hop on Saturday.

Among those attending was City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks, who has a special connection with the cultural gem. The Democrat, who represents the North Shore, took art lessons at Snug Harbor for eight years, which she noted helped get her accepted to LaGuardia High School.