AKRON, Ohio — Over the past few years, the city and Akron-area organizations have directed energy into supporting the city’s artists and the arts scene to help transform the creative industry in all its forms into a strong economic driver.
Representing a cross-section of the Akron area’s creativity is the nonprofit Crafty Mart, which serves makers, artists and entrepreneurs through educational programming in art, business and marketing. Crafty Mart also hosts competitions and provides various platforms for artists to showcase their wares.
Now in its 14th year, the annual Crafty Mart Holiday Show will fill two floors of Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub and feature more than 80 makers of every stripe, the organization said in a release.
The Crafty Mart Holiday Show will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 on the first two floors of Bounce, 526 S. Main St. in downtown.
The curated market will feature the best mix of beloved favorites and many brand-new-to-Crafty Mart makers, organizers said.
In addition to the array of makers, the event also will feature DIY workshops including:
- Water marbling workshop — 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 26
- Stamp making workshop — noon to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26
- Rag wreaths workshop — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26
- Framed jewelry tree — 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 27
- Santa Garland workshop — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 27
Reserve your spot for the workshops online.
The curated market will feature the best mix of beloved favorites and new-to-Crafty Mart makers. (Photo courtesy of Crafty Mart)
The show also will offer live musical performances, raffles and selfie stations as well as a special football nook set up so fans can check in on the Ohio State v. Michigan game on Saturday.
The event will feature food trucks and The Pierogi Lady will return, bringing her popular, handmade, take-home pierogis, organizers said.
Crafty Mart‘s holiday bar will be stocked with festive cocktails, mocktails and holiday ale, and a fancy coffee station will be offered, organizers said.
Admission and parking are free, but those who prefer crowd-free shopping, early bird passes are available.
The passes include a canvas tote made by local artist Micah Kraus and a beverage ticket. All proceeds from the passes go back into the organization to help pay for programming and community outreach, organizers said.
Crafty Mart relies on volunteers to make the annual event a success and is looking for greeters, guest bartenders, attendance takers, elevator runners, coffee grabbers and people who love Crafty Mart and want to assist.
Community-service groups or individuals, including teenagers, who want to get involved or gain service hours are welcome. Volunteers receive a special Crafty tote and a free drink ticket, organizers said. Sign up online for a volunteer shift.
Crafty Mart needs board members, especially those who have fundraising, financial and legal experience. The organization also is seeking people interested in committee work, such as marketing, education, development and event planning.
For either role, fill out an application online. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30ad interviews will take place through mid-December.
For more information about Crafty Mart or the holiday craft show, visit the Crafty Mart website, or send an email.
(Graphic courtesy of Crafty Mart)
