Cherrywood Art Fair Offers Shopping, Food and Fun

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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 Gifts Under $50

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:

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

Cherrywood Art Fair – Part of Holiday PASSPORT TO ART

This season, visit the East Austin Studio TourBlue 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!

Cherrywood Art Fair Announces its December 9 & 10 Artist Lineup

Download Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: John Matthew Bernal

press@chulaleague.org | 512-913-1523

 

East Austin Holiday Fair Gives Back To The Community for 16th Year
Cherrywood Art Fair Announces its December 9 & 10 Artist Lineup

Produced by local East Austin nonprofit Chula League,

this free, family-friendly event supports the Little Artist BIG ARTIST mentorship program

 

(AUSTIN, Texas) – Started in 2002, Chula League’s upcoming Cherrywood Art Fair (CAF) continues to
provide fairgoers with 100 percent hand-crafted artwork by Texas artists while supporting the arts and
artists in East Austin. This year’s CAF will be held 10am–5pm Dec. 9–10 at Maplewood Elementary
(3808 Maplewood Ave).

 

After receiving a record number of applications, a panel of respected artist jurors has cultivated a balanced, high-quality show including an eclectic group of goods ranging from trendy accessories for kids and pets to original oil paintings, geometric jewelry and organic skincare products. The curated work is thanks to 2017 jurors: Amanda Lewis, a proud member of Austin’s maker community since 2011 and community organizer for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, Richie Deegan, an Austin painter who has been described by the historic Haley & Steele art gallery in Boston as “…one of THE new artists to watch,” and Vincent X. Torres, curator and gallery director of Guzu Gallery and illustrator for Half-Human.

Grounded in East Austin, the proceeds from Cherrywood Art Fair will benefit its host Maplewood Elementary School and Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST, a 10 week arts mentorship program where Chula League pairs up professional artists with students from East Austin elementary schools, teaching them how to turn an idea into art, and art into a business.

“Little Artist BIG ARTIST is providing the next generation of East Austin artists with the creative inspiration and the practical knowhow to make art a viable career.” said John Mathew Bernal, Chula League Interim Executive Director. “Over the past ten years, Chula League has expanded the Little Artist BIG ARTIST program to six East Austin elementary schools impacting 217 Little Artists. Our reach would not be possible without the Cherrywood Art Fair, and we are forever grateful for the friends and families that have supported us.”

 

The 2017 Cherrywood Art Fair will represent a diverse selection of seasoned veterans and new promising artisans alike. Below is a sampling of the 90 artists whose booths will grace the halls and grounds of Maplewood Elementary School from 10am to 5pm on December 9th and 10th.

 

Robots In Rowboats – Oil painted sweet, sad and awkward little robots from the mind of Lauren Briere

Jean Synodinos Art – Hand cast bowls and 3D art in concrete and copper along with patina paintings

Jamie Spinello – One-of-a-kind wearable art and jewelry inspired by local plants

Pokey Little Poppy – Hand-crafted embroidery and artistic home goods from emerging artist Megan Mead

Katie Made That – Patterned art prints and greeting cards from artist Katie Johnson

Sam Wish – Small batch organic bath and body products like lip-balms, bath soaks, and deodorant

BarbacoApparel – South Texas and Hispanic-inspired T-shirts, art cards and tote bags from artist Nydia Huizar

Nailivic Studio – Pen and ink laser cut pieces etched into wood from artist Mark Puente

Elisha Marie – Jewelry using recycled precious metals and ethically sourced gemstones from Elisha Garza

LuxCups Creative – Pins and art for the animal lover and the young at heart from artist Libby Napier

 

The full Cherrywood Art Fair artists list is found here: http://cherrywoodartfair.org/2017-artists

 

In addition to the unique items you will find for everyone on your holiday shopping list, Cherrywood Art Fair will host live music on Saturday with headliner Sour Bridges, engaging family-fun activities on Sunday, such as a performance by dance studio Flamencura and a weekend of Austin’s favorite food artisans including Mmmpanadas and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Both days will showcase a silent auction to benefit Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST program featuring goods from each participating CAF artist and artwork from the Little Artists who participated in the mentorship program last spring.

 

For more information about the 2017 Fair, including updates on confirmed bands, food vendors and more:

Facebook: facebook.com/ChulaLeagueAustin

Twitter and Instagram: @ChulaLeague

Web: www.cherrywoodartfair.org

 

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

 

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Meet the 2017 Cherrywood Art Fair Jury

Every year Chula League selects a new slate of jurors for the Cherrywood Art Fair artist application process. Jurors with varying art and handmade backgrounds are chosen to help curate a well rounded art fair. After the juror scores are compiled, our Artist Coordinator curates those with top marks, with consideration for media balance, and a certain percentage of new artists each year. Meet our 2017 Jurors!

 

2017 Cherrywood Art Fair Juror
Richie Deegan

A natural draftsman and painter, emerging Austin artist Richie Deegan produces original expressionist and figurative paintings which project the pains and joys of his everyday life. Deegan has recently shown in the historic Haley & Steele art gallery in Boston and has been described as “a fresh, talented new face to emerge from the vibrant Austin art scene…his work is deeply personal and symbolic, emotive, and has profound roots in his own spirituality — one of THE new artists to watch.” Follow him on:
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Cherrywood Art Fair Juror 2017
Amanda Lewis

Amanda Lewis has been a proud member of Austin’s maker community since 2011; she enjoys leather work, block-printing, and metal sculpture. She serves as a community organizer for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault.

2017 Cherrywood Art Fair Juror Vincent
Vincent X. Torres

Vincent curates art exhibitions by day as the Gallery Director of Guzu Gallery in Austin, Texas. By night, you can find him in the studio illustrating artwork under the moniker, Half-Human — along with his brother, Eric. Follow him on:
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

An Interview with Gabi Williams a Little Artist Ambassador

Learn about the experiences of Gabi Williams, our first Little Artist Ambassador, who went from being a student in our LaBA program to exhibiting at the 2016 Cherrywood Art Fair.

First, I’d like to know about your overall experience in the Little Artist BIG ARTIST program, and how has it impacted you personally within your artistic goals?
Answer: My close friend Stella and I were paired up with a weaver named Patricia Day. Visiting her home/studio and being exposed to the life of a full time artist was amazing to see as a fifth grader. It was the first time I realized that I could potentially go into an artistic career and make a living off of my art. Overall, it motivated me to take more art classes and become more interested in the art world.

What did you enjoy the most during your Little Artist BIG ARTIST mentoring sessions?
Answer: I very much enjoyed being able to work in an artist’s studio. Seeing someone with that dedicated work space was inspirational. I also enjoyed being able to discuss the process of selling art with someone who knew all about it.

If you were to give advice to a young artist what would that be?
Answer: I would tell a young artist to create as much as they can. The best practice is making art whenever possible. I would also suggest experimenting and learning about different media types because you never know what you are going to end up enjoying.

How did your BIG ARTIST help you and what was important in your relationship?
Answer: Participating in the LaBA program has really been a big part of my artistic career because it is something that sets me apart from others. I thought more people at my Fine Arts high school would have been in LaBA but there are only a few of us. When I applied to the program at McCallum Fine Arts, I brought the pieces I created alongside Patricia as part of my portfolio. I think having that unique, individual artwork was what made it possible to be accepted to the Fine Arts Academy. Having input and creative critique from someone other than family or teachers was one of the best things about working with Patricia

 

Gabi, although only 15 years old now, represents exactly what we are trying to accomplish with the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program, future creatives developing a sustainable future. She is a graduate of the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program and was one of our ambassadors at the Cherrywood Art Fair (CAF) last year. Gabi had a booth set up next to her BIG ARTIST at the Cherrywood Art Fair and sold her very own art pieces.

Attend the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Opening Night Reception on April 27, 2017 from 6–8 pm at the Dougherty Arts Center to see the works of our 2017 LaBA Program Class. The Spring Art Exhibition will continue to be displayed through May 21.

If you’d like to get involved in the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program click here for more information.

Today is the day to play! The Family Fun stage is in full effect

Who could ask for more than eating, shopping, and playing? In the midst of being productive and crossing everyone off your holiday gift list, you can entertain the kiddos and entertain your taste buds at our Foodpalooza. Braid Babe will be onsite for a custom hairdos and you can complete the makeover with a little face-painting.

Kicking off the Family Fun stage at 11am is a little magic by Carlos, and closing out the Fair is a family-friendly comedy act by The Flying Theater Machine. The day is stacked with entertainment, so check out the full schedule here: http://cherrywoodartfair.org/2016-lineup/

Your day will not be complete without visiting with our community partner booths to build a robot (LASA Robotics), learn about wildlife rescue (All Things Wild), pet a foster dog (Austin Pets Alive), create your own upcycled ornament (Break It Down), or perusing the Fifth Dimension Books Bookmobile.

Once you’ve made all the rounds, stop by the Austin Creative ReUse booth for complimentary gift wrapping of all your Texas-made treasures. They are located in the cafeteria where our silent auction is located, featuring items from Chula League’s Little Artists, Cherrywood Art Fair artists, and local business goodies such spa services, restaurant gift cards, and more! The silent auction closes at 3pm, so get your bids in early.

Share your Cherrywood Art Fair experience by utilizing our custom Snapchat filter and don’t forget to vote for your favorite Artist Booth on our Facebook page. We hope it’s a day of being Merry!

Cheers to 15 years! Cherrywood Art Fair begins today.

Since its inception in 2002, Chula League’s Cherrywood Art Fair has come a long way but still features all original art from 91 local makers! Plan your shopping with our artist booth map or preview their work on our website here.

Did we mention we also have music, oh-so-good music? From 11am-5pm you can enjoy a diverse selection of tunes from country, to brass, to pop to indie rock to Austin School of Rock. Personally, we are are a little star struck by this year’s headliner, Suzanna Choffel. Don’t miss this Austin favorite—and former “The Voice” contestant—at 3pm. Music lineup.

When you are ready to refuel, head over to our tasty trailer cuisine offerings such as Mmmpanadas, Jack Hates Coffee, Texas Chili Queens and more! In between, make sure to visit with our community partners to decorate a hula hoop (Hoop Circle, fix a flat (Yellow Bike Project), make an instrument (GirlStart) or decorate your own ornament (LiveMom). Food vendors & Community Partners.

There’s plenty to do, so you may just have to come back for day two!



p.s. share your Cherrywood Art Fair experience by using our custom Snapchat geofilter while onsite!
p.s.s. ears open at noon for our announcement of Critic’s Pick BEST ARTIST BOOTH.
p.s.s.s. you can vote for Audience Pick BEST ARTIST BOOTH via our Facebook page. Polls close Sunday at 2pm.