By Brent E. Beltrán
The holidays are upon us and the time for gift giving is here. Instead of shopping at the malls and giving your hard earned cash to a corporation why not purchase items from local artists and artisans?
Here is a short list of holiday art bazaars and small businesses that deserve to be patronized this holiday season. By no means is it definitive. If you feel there are others just as deserving, please add in the comment section below.
HOLIDAY ART BAZAARS:
Ocean Beach Town Council Craft Fair
December 7, 14 & 21 from 9am to 2pm
Local crafters and vendors will be selling their wares at Veterans Plaza near the pier in Ocean Beach. Santa is expected to visit. These craft fairs help the OC Town Council fundraise for the OB Food and Toy Drive.
Seaside Farmers Market Holiday Stroll
December 7 from 9am to 3pm
Enjoy a pancake breakfast and photos with Santa, face painting, live music and over 75 farmers, growers, crafters and incredible edible vendors all in the Mission Bay High School parking lot at 2475 Grand Ave. in Pacific Beach. Proceeds from vendor spaces benefit the school.
San Diego Peace Bazaar
December 7 from 10am to 2pm
Join the Peace Resource Center of San Diego for this annual event that features tables from various San Diego social justice organizations. In addition to great holiday gifts there will be carolers, kids crafts, circus acts and a performance by TranscenDANCE. This family event takes place at the Mid-City Gym at 4302 Landis St. in City Heights.
North Park Craft Mafia’s 7th Annual Holiday Hit List
December 8 from 11am to 5pm
Over two dozen local crafty artisans will have their unique, handcrafted items available for sale at the Corky McMillin Event Center at Liberty Station located at 2875 Dewey Rd. in Point Loma.
Historic Barrio District’s Bazar Artesanal
December 14 from 10am to 4pm
Join the Historic Barrio District at the Sherman Heights Community Center at 2258 Island Ave. for a pop-up bazaar featuring folk art, handcrafted jewelry, accessories, home décor, organic skin products, fine art and more.
Holiday on Adams Avenue Craft Fair
December 14 from 2-5pm
There will be a craft fair and family friendly children’s activities in Normal Heights at Adams Park and snow, Santa, caroling and tree lighting down the road at Kensington Park in Kensington.
Hecho en Casa
December 17 at 5pm
Join local artists and artisans for The Front’s annual Hecho en Casa holiday bazaar located at the San Ysidro Civic Center at 212 W. Park Ave in San Ysidro.
LOCAL ARTS AND CRAFTS BUSINESSES:
Back from Tomboctou
3564 Adams Ave. in Normal Heights – (619) 282-8708
Back from Tomboctou sells folk art and collectibles from around the world including lots of religious and day of the dead inspired arts and crafts.
Casa Artelexia
2400 Kettner Blvd in Little Italy – (619) 544-1011
The owners of Casa Artelexia travel throughout Mexico to select various handcrafted gifts, art and home décor to sell in their beautiful shop.
Culture Cove
Online only – (858) 456-2683
Culture Cove features retro surf, Tiki, Hawaiian and mid century modern themed art, and gifts for all occasions.
La Onda Arte Latino
2690 Historic Decatur Rd. in Liberty Station – (858) 405-8888
La Onda Arte Latino features original artwork by Latino artists as well as prints, artesania and other types of art related gifts.
Vintage Religion
3821 32nd St. in North Park – (619) 280-8408
Vintage Religion, a unique boutique inspired by religions and cultures of the world, offers an eclectic mix of fine arts, antiques, gifts, jewelry, and home décor.