Give Local: Guide to Holiday Art Fairs [Part Two]

As holiday shopping days run out, it's good to remember that there are so many art fairs and craft bazaars providing us easy opportunities to avoid the mall. The 9th annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar is going strong over at the Monarch Event Center (6406 North IH-35). It's open from 10am until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 10am until 10pm Sunday through Thursday. Check out the list of participating artists to visit links for over one hundred crafts people with art and gifts for sale at the bazaar.

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar opens today at 11am at the Convention Center (500 E. Cesar Chavez). The longstanding Austin tradition will again feature an impressive roster of artists accompanied by the season's best musical line-up. Who would pass up the opportunity to finish up their x-mas shopping while Band of Heathens provides a live soundtrack (they'll be at the Bazaar on Saturday the 19th from noon to 2:30pm)? The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is open from 11am to 11pm daily through December 24th - admission costs $3 on weekdays before 7pm, and $6 on evenings and weekends (kids 12 and under are free).

Cherrywood Art Fair

The Cherrywood Art Fair returns this weekend with work from more than 80 artists. As always, the Cherrywood fair is hosted by Maplewood Elementary (38 1/2 St. at Maplewood) and admission is free! Proceeds from Cherrywood's always impressive silent auction benefit the school and arts and landscaping programs in central East Austin. Stop by on Saturday between 10am and 6pm or on Sunday from noon to 6pm to enjoy art activities, workshops from the WonderCraft, artist demos, live music, and more. Look over the complete list of participating artists and make sure to read about the inspiring Little Artist/Big Artist program with work for sale at the fair.

Continue this post after the jump for information about more local holiday shopping opportunities.

Austin Art Garage

Stop by Austin Art Garage now through Christmas Eve to see their Under $100 Holiday Gift Show. The newly expanded gallery will be featuring work by Graham Franciose, Catherine Hart, Limbo Jewelry and many other artists all priced bellow one hundred dollars. If you just can't possibly pick out a piece of art for a gift, consider purchasing an Art Garage gift certificate. Austin Art Garage is located at 2200 S. Lamar (behind Strut) and is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11am to 6pm and on Sundays from noon to 5pm.

Parts & Labour (1117 S. Congress) is getting into the holiday spirit with four days sales beginning on Sunday, December 13th. The expanded local boutique is offering themed sales each day - during Sunday's Sparkling Sunday Sale all jewelry over $20 will be 10% off and new work by Maneki, Carolina Bleu, and others will be debuted. On Monday, all manly tee's and accessories will be on sale. Tuesday is tots day with all kid's clothing and accessories discounted 10% and Wednesday will be Wild Card day with all greeting cards and housewares on sale.

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming holiday art fairs, including details about the following:

Keep Austin Bizarre
Fiesta Gardens (2101 Bergman Ave.)
Friday, December 18th - Monday, December 21st - Friday and Saturday 11am - midnight, Sunday and Monday 11am - 10pm
Music, vendors, food, drinks, and more all set in large heated circus tents.

Stitch Lab's Grand Opening Soiree
Stitch Labs (1000 S. First Street)
Saturday and Sunday, December 19th and 20th, noon - 8pm
Local crafters, fabric for sale, door prizes, and holiday concoctions.

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