The Arts Council staff and volunteers are working to craft the latest edition of the popular Jingle Bell Bazaar indoor holiday art market, set for Saturday Nov. 13th at the Gateway. And “craft” is the appropriate word here.
This year’s Bazaar, the 7th Annual, has more artisans and artists that it takes to fill one of those giant stockings. Arts Council of Chester County Director Lauren Medlin said they have 80, count them, 80 artists and artisans who will be displaying and selling their unique Christmas and holiday-themed items. The artisans will be occupying the Gateway ballroom, Grand Salon and meeting room, and probably, spill out into the entranceway as well.
The holiday market will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. There is free admission and free parking.
The Bazaar will feature artists with paintings, pottery and other forms of tangible arts and crafts. Of note are the famous and perennial Santa and snowman spindles, created by local artist Frankie MacLauchlan. Pets aren’t left out of the holiday doings either, as a local rescue group will offer pet toys and treats for Fido and Fluffy.
The market will be replete with hand-painted ornaments, products of special woodworking projects, fiber art, clothing and Crescent Creations will be on hand to provide custom embroidery.
Local artists will offer local lotions and soaps, candles, baskets. Local stores and boutiques will also be represented.
And best of all, these items are one-of-a-kind and not affected by any supply chain shortage.
This is a good opportunity for shoppers to get some unique gifts while it’s early in the Christmas season, Medlin said.
The arts and crafts are special because behind each one is a story to be told and a memory to be made, Medlin said. And shoppers will have the opportunity to talk to the artists or artisan that created that special item, hear those stories, and then take the item home to create those special memories around it.
Shoppers will also be able to get food at the First Due food truck and warm up (or cool off) with coffee and specialty drinks from Sweet Southern Java.
Masks are strongly recommended, Medlin said, but not required. She also advised shoppers to make sure to bring cash, because not all artisans are set up for electronic fund processing.
The public is invited to come for the artistic items and stay for the stories and memories to be made, at the Jingle Bell Bazaar. Proceeds from the Bazaar go to support Arts Council of Chester County programs.
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