By Misty Kaiser, Longmont Magazine
For those who feel that they don’t have a creative bone in their bodies, there are still plenty of ways to find a special hand crafted gift. The unique fun of wandering through a market created by dedicated artists and crafters often garners gifts that can’t be purchased at any big box store; gifts that are carefully selected with each recipient’s unique spirit in mind.
Throughout the month of November and December fine art and craft markets pop up all over the state, but there’s no need to drive far. The Boulder County Fairgrounds at 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont, plays host to three different fairs dedicated to the fine art, craft and culinary gifts.
The first in line is the Mollie McGee’s Fine Craft Show, held twice annually, once in October and once again in November, just in time for the holiday season. This year Mollie McGee’s vendors will fill the fairgrounds on November 22 and 23.
Jan Steger, along with her friend Betty Lewis, created Mollie McGee’s in 1980. Betty passed away last year, but Jan has continued to bring the wide selection of arts, crafts and food items to the public.
Though many of the vendors return year to year, shows are subject to the same jury process at the beginning of each season, meaning that every submitting artist has the same chance to be included. “We always have at least 35 percent or more new vendors, and we strongly suggest to repeat vendors to keep their designs new and to add new items,” says Steger.
A juried selection also helps to keep the show widely varied in what it can offer to shoppers. For example, this year shoppers will find artfully upcycled and repurposed items from artists such as Brenda Berhorst of Country Home Collection, metal art from local artist Pete Lindemann, and Cozy Cuddlers fleece blankets perfect for the coldest winter nights. The Local Chapter of P.E.O (Philanthropic Educational Organization) will also be selling nuts for your holiday baking projects, at below retail price to benefit educational opportunities for women.
The Boulder Farmer’s Market 2014 Winter Market and Holiday Gift Show is another way to keep it in town. This show also takes place the following weekend — December 6 and 7.
Whether looking for the perfect complement to the upcoming holiday meal, or locally produced gifts, the Winter Market holds a little bit of everything, featuring 70 food growers and producers and 60 area artists and craftsmen.
They also aim to entertain with live music, demos, gift wrapping, cookie decorating for the kids and more.
Cutting it close
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, The Firehouse Art Center on Main Street, will have the works of over a dozen artists on display and sale at their “Affordable Art Show.” Works will include fine art, ceramics, jewelry and more, all under $200. The show may start early, but it stays open late — until December 21.
Not only do you have a chance to purchase a one of kind item for someone special, you also have the chance to meet the artists behind the work at the official opening reception on December 12 from 6 to 9 p.m.
“We do hope to have artists help staff the gallery during open hours, so you have an increased chance to meet the artists,” adds Jessica Kooiman, Executive Director/Curator at Firehouse Art Center.
If you find yourself with unexpected guests, a forgotten friend or just out of ideas, The Last Chance Gift Festival has you covered. On Sunday, December 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., inside the main exhibit hall at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, treat yourself to free hot chocolate and free live music while you shop over 140 vendors. With art, crafts, toys, home decor, edible treats, and much more, you won’t have to leave anyone out.
While websites like Etsy (etsy.com) and Deviant Art (deviantart.com) have given artists a place to hock their wares online, these kinds of markets provide artists with a direct path to get their product into the hands of consumers in a more tangible way. When shoppers can stand in front of something physical, without the impediment of a screen between them and the artists, and talk to them about their process and materials, it triggers more of an emotional response to the work. It also puts money directly in the hands of the artist rather than a retail location.
As Jan Steger explains, these markets offer “a terrific venue for local, as well as statewide—and other states as well— to display and sell their fine arts and crafts. Our goal is to present shoppers with items that are handmade and unique.”
If you go...
Mollie McGee’s Craft Market
WHEN: Nov. 22 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (No strollers) and Nov. 23 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Strollers allowed)
WHERE: Boulder County Fairgrounds
COST: $4 covers both days
Winter Market & Holiday Gift Show
WHEN: Dec. 6 and 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Boulder County Fairgrounds
COST: Free
Affordable Art Show
WHEN: Nov. 29 - Dec. 21, Wed.- Sun. 12-5 p.m.
WHERE: Firehouse Art Center, Longmont
COST: Free
Boulder Holiday Gift Festival
WHEN: Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: The Boulder YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave.
COST: Free
Last Chance Gift Festival
WHEN: Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Boulder County Fairgrounds
COST: Free
Firefly Handmade Boulder Holiday Market
WHEN: Nov. 29-30, Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Watershed School, 1661 Alpine Ave., Boulder
COST: Free