Craft fairs can be quite “marmish” and “kitschy” events, but even so, I usually can’t resist. There’s a part of me that loves decoupage coasters and crotchet numbers in bright-pink synthetic yarn. But, even though I did not see a SINGLE tea-cosy or coaster at the Renegade Craft Fair at Fort Mason, there were plenty of other novelties to delight in.
The craftsmen and women at Festival Pavilion are artists incorporating eclectic and modern elements into their wares. The found, the salvaged, the industrial, the recycled, and the reused, were all on display. Prices were boutique-high as you might expect from an urban reinvention of “artsy crafty”; Festival Pavilion felt more trade-show than fair. Not a face painter in sight.
Here were a couple of artists who stood out:
Nina Dinoff uses molds to turn vintage martini paraphernalia (swizzle sticks, cocktail picks, etc) into metal bracelets and pins.
Jamila Starwater Tazewell brought her bright LA based collection of wallets, cardholders, notebooks, condom cases and passport covers.
Amy Cools, designer of AC Clothing and Bags created a great resource called: Afterglow’s Guide to Independent California Shopping. Amy compiled information about independent designers in California as well as the stores, online shops, and fairs (more crafts!) that carry independent designs.
I fell in love with local talent, Hilary Williams’, screen prints and paintings. You can visit her work at her studio on San Jose and Ocean during open studio hours, every Wednesday from 4-7pm. She also makes dolls that are creepily adorable.
Kiira Alessandra 