December Arts + Crafts Markets: San Francisco Bay
[We've covered Boston and Providence markets, now it's time to see what's happenin' out west. Anh-Minh reports live today from San Francisco for a full report. Take it away, a-m!]
By: Anh-Minh Le, decor8 contributor
Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it?s time to get down to the business of holiday shopping. Luckily for those of you in the SF Bay Area who insist on waiting until after the turkey is eaten before you even think about presents, there are a plethora of great shopping events coming up.
The following is a list of some local happenings where you can find unique, handmade gifts that are sure to please your friends and family.
Post-Postcard 10 at the Lab
11/30 (6-9pm); 12/01 (1-8pm); 12/02-03 (11am-6pm)
For affordable, small-format art, the 10th annual Post-Postcard Show is not to be missed. The promo material says it best: ?Art lovers can explore original works and discover hidden gems at affordable prices while supporting emerging artists and a great alternative art space.? Everything is priced between $1 and $30.
Hayes Valley Block Party
12/01 (6-9pm)
Not really a sales event, but rather a very cool holiday thing to do. For the Block Party, vendors usually stay open later, many offer snacks and drinks, and you?ll even find a DJ or two at some businesses. I hear that Santa and Mrs. Claus may be hanging around as well.
Mill Valley Community Center Holiday Craft Fair
12/02 (10am-5pm)
Shop for gifts and decorations ? including jewelry, cards, knitwear and candles ? handmade by over 50 local artists.
Artist-Xchange Holiday Party
12/08 (8-10pm)
Live music, refreshments, hors d?oeuvres and ? of course ? lovely artwork will be your reward for stopping by this Mission District gallery for their holiday party. Even those on the tightest budget can find something beautiful here.
(Psst...Mention the ?Shop Local First? promo between December 4-9 and you?ll receive 15% off at the Artist-Xchange! To see which other Mission businesses are participating in the SLF event, click here.)
CCA Holiday Fair
12/09 (11am-3pm)
You?ve got just a few hours to shop goods made by the talented students, alumni, faculty and staff at CCA. (For those without a car, the Oakland campus is accessible by BART.)
Feria Urbana
12/14 (6-11pm); 12/16, 12/17 (12-5pm)
That?s right. You get three chances to shop at one of my favorite resources. Not only can you pick up beautiful handmade goods from local artists and designers, but you can even grab a cocktail or bite to eat at Canvas (the restaurant/art gallery that plays host to this regular event). In the past, I?ve purchased handbags, calendars, jewelry, clothing and small-scale art at Feria Urbana.
The Crucible?s Gifty Holiday Art Sale + Open House
12/16-17 (10am-4pm)
Cross more people off your holiday list with a trip to the Crucible. There will be jewelry, sculptures, glass, ceramics, clothing and more. You can also catch a demo, enjoy refreshments, and take advantage of a kid?s activity area.
This list is by no means complete, so if you know of any other events ? around San Francisco or other parts of the world ? please feel free to add them in the comments section of this post.
Happy shopping!
[Update: This just in from Victoria from SFGirlbyBay. More fun sales! See Victoria's bits below. Thanks, Lady V!]
Here's a couple of smaller gift shows going on - these are some really talented friends of mine. I know there's more coming up, so if I hear of anything else I'll let you know!
Holiday Smackdown
12/01, 7-10 pm
154 Andover Street in Bernal Heights
Catch Jill Blissen, Lisa Coris Designs, Dog + Pony Show, Jen Garrido, and more!
Velo Rouge Cafe Sale
12/05, 4-8 pm
798 Arguello Blvd near the entrance to GG park
Call for show details.
(image from feria urbana)