Crafts get a bad rap.
Today, it seems the word is most often used to describe kindergarteners gluing cotton balls onto colored construction paper.
But by definition, it’s “an activity involving skill in making things by hand.” Emphasis on the word skill.
Which is a perfectly appropriate way to describe the bazaar of diverse artists showcasing their hand-made goods at St. Paul’s Craftstravaganza this Saturday at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
This is a juried show, meaning there is an application process. (No cotton-ball-santas allowed.) Minnesota is known for its stellar arts scene, so many of our best will be in attendance—along with numerous others from a smattering of states. In fact, the interest and success of earlier years means 2012’s sale has doubled in size, with an additional building and twice as many artists—now totalling more than 140.
Soap. Journals. Jewelry. Clothing. You’ll find a verifiable stockpile of unique handmade work.
Almost everything you see will be available for purchase on the spot (and many vendors have their own sites and Etsy accounts for future shopping). This is your chance to get that signature piece no one else has, to find something special that’s truly made in Minnesota, or even do some last-minute Mother’s Day shopping. And possibly try a free workshop to test your own craftability.
Afterward, you may be inspired to take up knitting, or unearth your paintbrush—and that’s a good thing. But I plan on just bringing my wallet and leaving it up to the experts.
St. Paul Craftstravaganza
Saturday, May 12
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend.
Minnesota State Fairground Buildings: Fine Arts Building & Progress Center
Tips:
- Street parking is free; free lots are located west of Cooper Street and north of the Fine Arts building. Disabled parking is available on the west side of Cosgrove.
- Bring cash. (With no Internet connection guaranteed, credit cards not usable.) An ATM will be on site.
- Arrive early. The first 100 shoppers will receive free swag bags!
Note: Northeast Minneapolis’s Art-A-Whirl (a three-day open gallery and artist-studio tour) also is looming: May 18-20. Visit NEMAA’s brand new website nemaa.org for details.
For more Minnesota outing ideas for this weekend, consider:
Minnesota Museums Month: Animals, Flowers & Farms
Minnesota Museums Month: Northeast Minnesota Offers a Wide Variety
Relive St. Paul’s Sordid Past on The St. Paul Gangster Tour
Go Green: Bikesharing Season Has Begun