2017 has been an incredible year thanks to supporters like you! We had a record number of artist applications to participate in Cherrywood Art Fair, and our jury cherry-picked 90 of them for you to shop, along with tasty local food vendors and live entertainment for the whole family.
We‘ve been hard at work planning a fun filled event, and we can‘t wait to see you all there! Please join us for two days of handmade gift shopping, live music, family friendly entertainment and delicious local eats!
Today is #GivingTuesday, and we have exciting news about getting more involved in our organization. We are now offering annual memberships for individuals and businesses.
There are just a few hours left in #GivingTuesday and we’d love to have your support. Thanks to our friends at Google Fiber, all donations made today will be matched up to $500.
Thanks for your interest in our Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program. We’re officially recruiting for our 2018 class, and we’d love to have you apply. Our application is now live, and we encourage each of you to fill it out.
For Immediate Release
press@chulaleague.org | 512-913-1523
Texas artists mix with local bands and Austin food trucks for an unforgettable weekend of family fun December 9-10, 2017
(Austin, Texas) — While Cherrywood Art Fair has been a holiday shopping destination for 16 years by showcasing the work of local artists, it also brings lively local music acts, original performers and unique Austin eats together with fun family activities.
The music starts up at noon on Saturday, December 9 with Jed Craddock, a San Antonio musician who blends elements of soul, rock, and R & B. He’ll be followed by Interrobang Brass, an 8-piece brass band out of the University of Texas. Headliners this year include Austin-based browngrass band Sour Bridges and a White Ghost Shivers side project country band The Saddle Sores. School of Rock will wrap up the day, taking the stage at 4 p.m.
On Sunday, the center stage will kick off the day with performances by TKO Puppeteers, a fun-filled storytelling adventure with audience participation and Safari Animal Magic, which brings live exotic animals like an African tortoise, a South American giant tegu lizard, and an Australian bearded dragon. Next up, Inside Out Steelband will share the sounds of Trinidad, Rose Movement Studio will show off their belly dancing skills and dancers from Flamencura Dance Studio will wrap up the day with a fiery and passionate display of flamenco.
Our talented masters of ceremony will be Taylor Wallace, KUTX DJ and producer for Eklektikos, and musician and KUTX DJ Elizabeth McQueen.
This entertainment list most certainly does not stop there with community partners lining up the Maplewood Elementary School cafeteria and basketball court for two full days of interactive fun. Attendees can participate in a variety of offerings such as crafting with Maplewood Elementary Art Teacher Emily Leaman and Austin Creative Reuse in the Kid’s Art Corner, hair styling from Braid Babe, Face Painting by Ruth, ukulele lessons from Groundwork Music Project, a hula hooping class from Hoop Circle, a make-your-own-maraca station with Latinitas, pet adoptions with Austin Pets Alive! and many more.
Bring your appetite because six local food vendors will be dishing up some delicious eats to fuel the crowds in between shopping and enjoying entertainment. Jack Hates Coffee will be selling hot and caffeinated beverages. Mmmpanadas will have sweet and savory hand held treats, Texas Chili Queens will be dishing up the heat, Stoneys Pizza will bring the pies and Hat Creek Provisions will be will be selling snacks like pickled okra and pickled carrots. And Nothing Bundt Cakes will be selling a variety of their unbelievably moist cakes for dessert.
The Fair showcases local makers, live music, kid’s activities and food trailer cuisine in a family-friendly environment. This year’s confirmed artists represent an eclectic group of Texas artists selling an array of unique goods including whimsical toys, small batch pottery, organic skin care products, fine art, handmade jewelry, clothing, bags and more.
CAF has been going strong for 16 years and this rain or shine event remains free and open to the public. The proceeds from the Fair benefit Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST, a free after-school arts mentoring program that pairs professional artists with East Austin elementary school children to teach them how to turn an idea into art, and art into a business. Projects created by little artists in the program this year will be auctioned off at the fair.
For more information about the 2017 Cherrywood Art Fair, including the artist lineup, bands, food vendors, community partners, sponsors, schedule of events and more, like Cherrywood Art Fair on Facebook: facebook.com/cherrywoodartfair, follow on Twitter and Instagram: @ChulaLeague or visit www.cherrywoodartfair.org.
Link to 2017 Artists Press Release: http://cherrywoodartfair.org/2017/09/28/cherrywood-art-fair-announces-its-december-9-10-artist-lineup/
This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
25 Unique, Handmade Austin Art Gifts Under $50 (Just in Time for the Holidays)
The holiday season is soon upon us, and that means it’s time to start shopping! We all strive to find gifts that are just right for our loved ones – unique and thoughtful, but not over budget. Can you find everything you need in one place? Yes, at Cherrywood Art Fair!
Join us December 9th &10th at Maplewood Elementary for some of Austin’s most original artists who will be offering everything from gorgeous fine art pieces to hand-poured candles. Afterall, handmade items make the best gifts! To help you plan your holiday shopping, we’ve put together a list of a few of the gifts you’ll find at Cherrywood Art Fair for under $50. Find something for all of your friends and family!
1.Nailivic Studios Loteria Inspired Art:
Nailivic Studios produces modern folk art inspired by Dia de los Muertos, Mexican Lotería imagery and folk art from around the world. Artist Mark Puente takes detailed, organic line drawings and brings them to life in 3D with the precision of a laser. The resulting artwork is boldly colored, wonderfully tactile and magically affordable.
2.Neena Buxani Metal Floral Prints:
Ready to hang metal prints of vibrant artwork by Neena Buxani are available in small sizes from 7″ x 9″ to 8″ x 8″ at only $40. Add a pop of color to any room!
3.Vibrant Cows Ceramic Tiles:
Debuting this fall, we’ll have the Vibrant Cows Fine Art Collectors 6×6 Ceramic Tiles. Perfect for giving, these tiles can be hung, displayed on bookshelves, set on a table, placed in the garden or pretty much anywhere else in your home in need of fine art. There are currently five designs to choose from in the 2017 series. $45.
4.Wick Habit Hand-Poured Candles:
What does Texas smell like? How about leather, grass, tobacco and warm spices? This hand-poured soy wax candle by Wick Habit was designed with Texans in mind. What a great gift for a homesick Texan or friends and family in need of the Texan touch! $14 each.
5.Roux St. James Oil Blends:
Botanical compounds in oil with restorative, healing properties. Roux St. James compounds are made from all-natural and organic ingredients, blended by hand in small batches. $28 for 6ml roller. $28 for smaller set of 3.
6.Hello Carol Kitty Ceramics:
For all of your cat loving friends, consider this quirky tumbler by Carol Schwartz. Her pieces are handmade in porcelain with colorful glazes, and high fired to be food safe. $50.
7.Mud Monster Studio Alien Eyes:
When it comes to fun and functional ceramics, these one-of-a-kind one-eyed alien mugs take the cake. Mud Monster Studio works in stoneware with dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe glazes. $36.
8.Spako Clay Small Plates:
Small batch porcelain ceramics made in Austin. These plates sell for $36 each and can be used as catch-alls or for dinnerware.
9.Chaos Woods Treasure Bowls:
Trinket bowls with decorative finial, hand turned on the wood lathe. Sizes range from 4 to 7 inches. Each piece is unique, made with various types of wood by Chaos Woods. Prices start at $40 depending on size and wood.
10.Koke Gardens Mini Tree:
Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing miniature trees and plants in moss. $25-50.
11.Monster Dance Designs etched glass:
Etched cactus cocktail glass, perfect for your favorite mixologist or Western theme night. $15
12.Claire Sommers Buck Hair Pins:
A simple twist on the original “pencil in the bun”, these hammered brass hair pins will keep your locks tame and your style on point. Hand-forged. Small: $35. Large: $40.
13.Elisha Marie Rings:
The original Siren Ring features delicate bands intertwined for a stacked-ring illusion. The perfect accessory for any style, this ring is effortless, elegant, and versatile. Wear it alone for an understated detail, or pair with our other Siren Rings to make a statement. Bands: 1.29mm Sterling Silver: $40 14 Karat Gold fill: $45
14.Stone’s Throw Jewelry Pendant:
This tarnish resistant sterling silver feather pendant is handmade with a leaf skeleton imprint for the texture and then cut into a feather shape. It is on a 16″ sterling silver chain. Stylish and minimalist, this goes with everything. $45.
15.Bright Beam Goods Customizable top:
This wooden flatpacked kit allows you to fit pieces together to make your own custom spin top! Use markers, highlighters or colored pencils. Unassembled, the kit measures 2 3/4″x4 1/4″, and arrives in a clear plastic sleeve with an instruction sheet. $8 each or 3 for $20.
16.Squid Friends Doll:
Handmade cuttlefish doll made from cotton print, thread, polyfill and plastic safety eyes. For ages 4 and up only. A unique gift for younger friends and family. $35.
17.Slow Fuse Photography Print:
“Night Fever”, Austin, Texas; 8×10 limited edition print on Fuji Deep Matte Paper. Just right for Austin newcomers. $30.
18.John Gusky Photography Print:
“Capitol Goddess” 11×14 limited edition photographic print. $28
19.J.H. Hardcastle Print:
6”x6” photographic encaustic pieces. From the latest series from J.H. Hardcastle called “Bottleworks” which feature the interiors of bottles (many of which are from local vineyards and breweries). Perfect for the beer or wine lover who already has a well-stocked fridge. $45.
20.Chet Phillips Dog Cards:
A Fetching Deck of Canine Creatives is a poker-sized, casino quality deck of playing cards. Each suit represents a variety of dogs as famous authors, artists, musicians and film stars. 52 individual portraits, 2 jokers and 4 suit cards with a custom back. Each pack is boxed with cards cello wrapped, ready for your first dog-themed poker night. $14.
21.Forest + Ink Queso Pin:
This cheesy good enamel pin is perfect for any queso lover! Measures 1.125″ in plated black nickel. $10
22.Kate Made That Modern Print:
The Midas Touch Flora Art Print is printed with a 1-color metallic copper ink that shines and shimmers in the light. It’s the perfect gift for someone with a modern minimalist or Scandinavian style. $30.
23.Squidrabbit Artz Frame Worthy print:
Larry the Longhorn. 9×12 print. $15.
24.Creations by Grazi Multi-use Bag:
Cross body bag that folds into a clutch (2 bags in one). The outside is made of up-cycled upholstery material. The cross body strap is removable. $42.
25.CBA Illustration T-Shirt:
Completely hand-lettered, this illustration is screen-printed with one ink color on 99% combed and ringspun cotton and 1% polyester Ash-color Canvas shirts. $25.
This season, visit the East Austin Studio Tour, Blue Genie Art Bazaar, our neighborhood’s beloved Cherrywood Art Fair, and Armadillo Christmas Bazaar to discover the best of Austin’s vibrant art scene!
All four shows have teamed up to create a Passport to Art. Get your passport stamped at all four events and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a pair of SXSW Music Festival wristbands!
Pick up your Passport to Art this weekend during the EAST. Visit the Group Exhibition at 1300 E. 5th Street to get your stamp. Or grab one at Chula League’s Stop 368 at Austin Creative Alliance where there will be a Big Artist Info Session Saturday at 2pm to learn about getting involved in Little Artist BIG ARTIST mentorship program.
If you’re an East Austin artist, spend 10 weeks sharing your talent, expertise and passion in one on one sessions, fostering young creatives at six area schools: Allison, Blackshear, Jordan, Maplewood, Oak Springs and Winn Elementary. Program starts February 2018. Apply soon to join the next class!
We’ve been busy planning, and we’re so excited to share this year’s amazing lineup of live entertainment, from local music to family fun activities! You can shop, eat, make art, enjoy music and so much more with your whole gang!
East Austin Studio Tour kicks off this weekend, and we’d love to see you at our pop up event! We’re hosting several BIG ARTISTS from our Little Artist BIG ARTIST mentorship program at Austin Creative Alliance. Please come show your support for these local talents and learn more about how you can get involved with Chula League in support of the East Austin arts community.