11th Hour Holiday Shopping?
Homegrown art makes a good fit for every stocking
By Robert Faires, 4:00PM, Fri. Dec. 21, 2012
Still haven't crossed everybody off your gift list and the thought of hitting the mall turns you whiter than Irving Berlin's Christmas? We've been there and want to spare you anything that will shrink your heart two sizes to Grinchy proportions. So check these local bazaars offering homegrown art right up to the hour that St. Nick's due on your roof.
VSA Texas Holiday Art and Gift Show
Friday, Dec 21 to 5pm, and Monday, Dec. 24, 9am-5pm Rm 101 of the AGE Building, 3710 Cedar www.vsatx.org This venerable state organization that connects art and disability offers a host of art gifts by artists it works with, from paintings to jewelry to braille cards, ornaments, and cds, and original art. Vortex Yule Bazaar Saturday & Sunday, Dec.22-23, noon-5pm The Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd. www.vortexrep.org This artisan fair from your friendly theatremakers at the Vortex and Tejas Web is low-pressure and family-friendly features not only wares from local artisans but DIY photos with Santa, campfire storytelling, and a magic show by Cranius Astounding for the kids; Tarot, runes, and other divination for seekers; and performances by scorching surf rockers Los Super Avengers, the amazing animals of Circus Chickendog, and bellydancer Jamie Shelton for everyone. 12th annual Arabic Christmas Bazaar Sunday, Dec 23, 10am-7pm The Arabic Bazaar, 5013 Duval www.wmdproductions.com Looking for goods from Egypt, Morocco, Syria, and environs? Not only can you find jewelry, clothing, perfumes and oils, rugs, furniture, textiles, and more at Zein Al-Jundi's Hyde Park shop, but during the Christmas Bazaar, you can score them at discounts of 15-65%. In addition, you can enjoy complimentary Arabic coffee and sweets while you shop, get a henna tattoo from Nisha of Henna Arts & Crafts or Kim Eitze of Henna by Kim, take a free bellydancing class, and enjoy a rare performance of bellydancing by Zein herself (2 & 4pm). Blue Genie Art Bazaar Daily through Monday, Dec. 24, 10am-10pm Marchesa Hall & Theatre at Lincoln Villa, 6226 Middle Fiskville Dr. www.bluegenieartbazaar.com The mad geniuses at Blue Genie Art Industries are once again sponsoring this amazing showcase of work by more than 130 artists and craftspeople. Believe them when they say that you won't find paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glassworks, ceramics, prints, photography, and loads of surprises like this anywhere else. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Daily through Monday, Dec. 24, 11am-11pm Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. www.armadillobazaar.com After 36 previous go-rounds, do I really have to explain what the Armadillo is? Suffice to say it is as much a party as a shopping experience – Christmas cheer (that is to say, adult beverages) to sip while you're browsing booths from more than 160 artists and artisans or listening to the astounding array of live musicians playing most every hour of the day, and you're bound to run into folks you know. Admission is $8 nights and weekends and $5 on weekdays before 7pm. Here's the remaining schedule of musical acts: Friday, Dec. 21 3:30pm Brian Keane 6:30pm Mary Hattersley's Blazing Bows 8pm The Band of Heathens Saturday, Dec. 22 Noon Suzanna Choffel 3:30pm The Resentments 8pm Beto y Los Fairlanes Sunday, Dec. 23 Noon Shelley King 3:30pm Carolyn Wonderland 8pm Albert and Gage Monday, Dec. 24 Noon Cienfuegos 3:30pm Jitterbug Vipers 7:09pm The Annual String-Off Competition 8pm Bill Kirchen & Friends with special guests Conni and Char HancockA note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
Sept. 24, 2021
Sept. 17, 2021
Austin art bazaars, GG2012, Gift Guide 2012, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Blue Genie Art Bazaar, VSA Texas, Arabic Christmas Bazaar, The Vortex, Tejas Web, Zein Al-Jundi
