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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