Nickell’s Bag

This weekend, the Missoula MADE Fair returns to the Zootown Arts Community Center. I’ve written about — and attended — this locally made art fair twice in the past, and it’s always worth a visit. This year there’ll be more than 60 local vendors selling all manner of artworks, handmade clothing, jewelry and what-not. Here’s the full press release…

3^rd annual Missoula holiday MADE fair

Sunday, December 13, 2009 | 11am-6pm

ZACC building 235 N. 1^st Street W (1^st &  2^nd floors) | Stensrud 314 N. First St W.

Presented by REcreate designs & natural elements jewelry

A full day of creative indulgence and holiday shopping featuring over 60 local and regional artists making unique handmade creations. Buy locally this holiday season and bring home a one-of-a-kind present that will be treasured for years to come.

This is not your ordinary craft fair! The holiday MADE fair will include nibbles, cider, libations, and festive holiday cheer. We are encouraging folks the community to support local artists and a sweat-shop free economy. And as always, family and hipster friendly. This year, the Missoula holiday MADE fair will be located in multiple locations on N. 1st Street W. including the Stensrud and the Zootown Arts Community Center building (ZACC & 2^nd floor). Come check out the up-and-coming Missoula area artists and crafters.

A new addition to the holiday show is an Early Bird Door Buster Deals for the first hour of the show (11am-noon). A majority of vendors will be participating by offering discounts or free bonus items with purchase.  It is our version of 6am on Black Friday, but starting at more reasonable hour and supporting a local economy. To receive savings you must present your filled out Early Bird Door Buster coupon that can be downloaded from the website www.missoulamadefair.com (some will be available at the door) in exchange for you Early Bird Door Buster button that vendors will recognize.

“Purchasing hand-made items from local artists helps support the vibrant Missoula creative collective,” says Carol Lynn Lapotka, owner of REcreate designs and coordinator of the holiday MADE. “We’re hoping to share the rich talent and art scene with holiday shoppers. We would like to encourage people to think about buying locally this holiday season and bring home a one-of-a-kind present that will be treasured for years to come.”

Traditionally holiday craft fairs consist of the same-old-same-old “holiday” items—doilies, crochet Barbie doll dresses, ornaments-a-plenty, wood burned signs for your front door, or cheesy over-done holiday-themed what-evers. The 3^rd holiday MADE fair will feature artists from a variety of backgrounds including the hip-n-cool regulars from the Saturday People’s Market. You will see stylish handmade clothing, handcrafted jewelry, metal recycled sculptures, unique illustrations on wood, colorful paintings, to-die-for hand bags, skirts made from recycled t-shirts, screen-printed tees, ceramics, re-worked vintage jewelry, and that special one-of-a-kind something that you (or your mom, sister, or friend) can’t live without.

We’re pretty sure that weather you are a creative type or a local connoisseur of all that is hip you will enjoy the selection and atmosphere of the holiday MADE fair. This event is presented and organized by REcreate designs & natural elements jewelry and sponsored in part from local businesses: Independent, Loopy Knit/Crochet, Missoula Copy Center, Rockn’ Rudy’s, Selvedge Studio, and Zoocity Custom Apparel.

Entry into the Missoula holiday MADE fair is a suggested donation of a non-perishable food items that will be given to the Missoula Food Bank. Check www.missoulamadefair.com for more information and a list of vendors, map of booth locations, and details on the Early Bird Door Buster Deals.

A holiday MADE fair preview show is being held on the on second Friday (December 11^th) 5:30pm-8:30 pm. in the REcreate designs studio & showroom located on the 2^nd floor of the ZACC building (235 N. 1^st Street W.) It will highlight featured artists including Jen E. Designs, Piper & Paisley, Courtney Blazon Illustrations, Natural Elements Jewelery, Recreate designs, and Zoocity Custom Apparel. Shop early and see a glimpse of what is to come on Sunday!

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