by Noella Noelophile®
Crafts alert! A bunch of fantastic shows are coming up.
You get to browse unique items made with love.
Often, the artists you’ll see are jury-selected.
(Photo courtesy of Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild.)
Many times, participants can do custom orders if you have something special in mind.
But be warned–much of what you’ll see is irresistible.
Here are just a few dates to put on your calendar NOW, before you get super busy for Christmas season 2022.
October 22-23, 11 am – 6 pm, San Francisco.
Public Glass, 1750 Armstrong Avenue.
(Royalty-free image by Del Green from Pixabay)
Nonprofit Public Glass will host their Open Studio hours both days, with seven artists exhibiting. You’ll also get to see some demonstrations of their craft!
And there will be plenty to see, as glass artist Maria Enomoto emails: adjacent Yosemite Place Studios, one building over, will offer open studio hours both days, as well. While I literally just found out about them, their Facebook page shows them offering all kinds of cool stuff: jewelry, pottery, paintings, furniture, photography…and they list their event as “dog-friendly”, so your furry friend can accompany you as you browse.
(Photograph courtesy of Maria Enomoto, and used with permission.)
(While Maria has had a change of plans and will not be onsite those days, be sure to look for her beautiful bowls, glass containers and additional gift items, as well. Some of her work will be available in the gallery–and don’t miss my earlier interview with her, for a closer look at the craft of glassblowing!)
October 22, 10 am – 5 pm, Newport Beach.
Newport Beach Civic Center Green, 100 Civic Center Drive.
(Royalty-free image by Juan Torres from Pixabay.)
More than 125 artists will be on hand for Newport Beach Arts Foundation’s 17th annual “Art in the Park” Fine Arts and Artisans Fair!
Ceramics, sculpture, wood art, mixed media and textiles are just a few of the media in which these gifted creatives work. Admission and parking are free, and if you have junior gifted future or present artists with you, they’ll get a chance to participate in art activities, courtesy of Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.
November 6, 11 am – 5 pm, Old Town Tustin.
Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival, 245 El Camino Real.
This is the first of a series of FIVE Patchwork Show Festivals happening up and down the state of California, this Christmas season!
Patchwork Show is a longtime favorite of mine, with DIY workshops, music stages, food trucks and all kinds of incredible handcrafted gifts. Tustin, according to their website, is their newest venue, and this is an outdoor show, happening in the Farmer’s Market Lot.
In the past, I couldn’t resist the scented soaps, hand-dipped chocolates (ummmmm-mmm-mmm!) and handpainted cards at the Long Beach and Santa Ana shows. You’re likely to find all kinds of special things and may even get your Christmas shopping done early.
Oh, and watch out for those artisan popsicles. They have an alarming tendency to jump into your mouth.
Not in the Tustin area or can’t make it this weekend? Upcoming Patchwork Show Modern Maker Festivals are happening in Long Beach, Oakland, Santa Rosa and Ventura over the next few weekends! Here’s the link to their schedule.
November 12-13, 10 am – 3 pm, Torrance.
Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild, Torrance Cultural Arts Center.
Madrona and Torrance Boulevard.
Happy Anniversary to 501 (c) (3) nonprofit Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild, as they host their 53rd Annual Crafts and Fall Faire!
This is always a festive, community-oriented show. A DJ on the patio provides music, as visitors browse three rooms of beautiful handcrafted items. Refreshments are available, and you’ll get an early peek at renderings of the Torrance Rose Float (with a great chance to support Torrance Rose Float Association as they prepare for the upcoming Rose Parade®!).
(Royalty-free image by Silke Wurm from Pixabay.)
My favorite purchases from TCG, in the past, have included Christmas earrings, absolutely gorgeous photography greeting cards (fields of California flowers!), gingerbread-doll Christmas decorations and candles. But you’re certain to find your own treasures. Admission and parking are free.
AND–can you believe I’ve barely scratched the surface here? Still haven’t told you about Jackalope Arts, Muir Beach or any of the other venues that have something special coming up in the crafts-show department.
Next time.