Beloved Austin Holiday Shopping Event Celebrates 15 Years Cherrywood Art Fair Announces its December 10 & 11 Artist Lineup

Download Press Release

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Christy Butler, Jewell Media
Christy@cityjewell.com 512.694.6456

Beloved Austin Holiday Shopping Event Celebrates 15 Years!
Cherrywood Art Fair Announces its December 10 & 11 Artist Lineup

Championed by local nonprofit Chula League, this free, family-friendly event supports the Little Artist BIG ARTIST mentoring program.

(Austin, Texas) — Since its inception in 2002, Chula League’s Cherrywood Art Fair (CAF) has come a long way, but most importantly these principals have stayed consistent: no manufactured goods, no junk, all original art! Hundreds of artist applications have been carefully reviewed by a panel of respected jurors to cultivate a balanced, high-quality show including an eclectic group of goods ranging from whimsical toys for kids and pets to small batch functional ceramics to geometric jewelry and organic skincare products. The curating work is thanks to 2016 jurors Michael Sieben, editor of Thrasher Magazine and columnist at Juxtapose, Jennifer Perkins, Austin Craft Mafia founding member and former producer of Stitch Craft & Fashion Show and Asa Hursh, Executive Director of Art Alliance Austin.

Held in East Austin, the proceeds from Cherrywood Art Fair will benefit its host Maplewood Elementary School and Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST program, a 10-week mentoring experience pairing professional artists with East Austin 5th and 6th graders to turn ideas into art and art into business.

“Little Artist BIG ARTIST is cultivating the next generation of makers,” said Ann Flemings, Chula League Executive Director. “Since 2007, we have mentored over 174 kids on the practicalities required to be a successful working artist. We are proud that proceeds from the Fair will help us expand the program from four to six East Austin schools next year, empowering more children to explore their creativity, celebrate accomplishments and strengthen social skills.”

The 2016 Cherrywood Art Fair will represent a diverse selection of seasoned veterans and new promising artisans alike. Below is a sampling of a few of the 88 artists whose booths will grace the halls of Maplewood Elementary School from 10 am to 5 pm on December 10th and 11th.

Bee Amour is a bee-centric jewelry line created by a backyard beekeeper that supports living bees with every sale.

Copper Dot Weaving creates handwoven wall hangings inspired by natural colors and fibers, woven into beautiful geometrical shapes.

feto soap handcrafts fragrant, fun and skin-safe bath & body products, nail polishes and candles.

Franny & Metal jewelry pays tribute to clean geometric lines and hollow spaces, creating modern, durable and minimalist jewelry.

Joel Ganucheau, Austin Art Garage co-founder, creates mixed media and acrylic experimental works of art, inspired by Austin and beyond.

Kimball Prints dreams up nature-inspired kitchen tea towel designs with brilliantly colored succulents, animals, fruits, vegetables and more.

LemonGlaze carefully hand-forms, stamps, and glazes unique ceramic pieces from dainty ring holders to large serving dishes.

Lille Huset LLC makes magical paper dollhouses and whimsical games, books and décor for the little ones in your life.

OldNewMiddle repurposes found materials such as record albums, antique door knobs, vintage maps and books to create true, one-of-a-kind gifts.

Smith Map Studio hand-draws original maps of iconic Texas themes, cities and US history using pen, ink and acrylic paint.

The full Cherrywood Art Fair artists list is found here: http://cherrywoodartfair.org/2016-artists

In addition to the limitless shopping for everyone on your list, Cherrywood Art Fair will host a full-day of live music on Saturday with headliner Suzanna Choffel, engaging family-fun activities on Sunday including the wildly popular Lumiere Photo Booth and a weekend of Austin’s favorite food trucks including Mmmpanadas, Texas Chili Queens and Wholly Kabob. Both days will showcase a silent auction to benefit Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST program including goods from each participating CAF artist and artwork from the Little Artists who have participated in the mentorship program.

For more information about the 2016 Fair, including updates on confirmed bands, food vendors
and more, like Cherrywood Art Fair on Facebook: facebook.com/cherrywoodartfair, follow on
Twitter and Instagram: @ChulaLeague or visit http://www.cherrywoodartfair.org/.

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

###

Get to know the Cherrywood Art Fair Artist Coordinator

Meredith

Get to know Meredith Kuntzsch, the Cherrywood Art Fair Artist Coordinator!

Meredith came to the great state of Texas to follow where the majority of her best art customers lived. She has exhibited at more than 300 art festivals and fairs, private salons and galleries — winning awards throughout the country. As an artist herself, Meredith hopes to bring a great sensitivity to this role.

What’s your day job?

Artist, (painter, development, lecturer, workshops) and music/fundraiser event production guru.

What’s your favorite hobby?

Music, music, music — being on stage or backstage at event-production gigs — I’m lucky to love my work. But, I’m also a big reader. Always a book in my hand. And forget about keeping me out of Lake Travis. Last but not least, if I had the money, skydiving every week. The higher the better. Wooooo!

What are you most excited about for this year’s fair?

Seeing all the beautiful handmade creations by our wonderful artists and welcoming our repeat and new customers who will be blown away by the talent. Seriously y’all, it’s gorgeous work!

What’s your favorite East Austin hangout?

It’s hard to name a favorite! Eastside Cafe has delicious homegrown veggies. They make memorable, unique dishes with their organic gems. I think I had a daily special made out of the leaves of some sort of tuber in an appetizer similar to a potato pancake. YUM! I also worked a SXSW event at Weather Up where beautifully crafted cocktails flew by. I love walking on those old wooden floors.

What Austin celebrity should come shop at the Cherrywood Art Fair?

Hayes Carll — I should personally assist him at the show. All day. Good shopping ideas for his girlfriend, son and family.

If you could pick any family-oriented act (a band, artist, musician, activity, dance team, theater troupe, etc.) to perform at the fair, who would it be?

I think Oliver Steck is a fabulous musician. He plays with a lot of people including Bob Schneider and teaches music to kids. He’s funny, smart as a whip, and theatrically trained. Oh, and a heck of a nice guy to boot. I should also put in a plug for my family…my niece’s husband, Drew Womack, Grammy award-winner, singer/songwriter and producer. Yep, also a heck of a nice guy!